Johnny Appleseed Day
March 11 is Johnny Appleseed Day. Apples have quite a history. We all know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. And we can't forget Snow White and the poisoned apple. Here are a few appealing apple antidotes:
* Apples have for many centuries been associated with the occult sciences. Why? If you cut an apple in half horizontally, you will reveal a five-pointed start, or pentagram. A symbol often used in the occult sciences for casting spells and such.
* Apples have also been credited with bestowing longevity or eternal life.
* The Granny Smith apple was first grown in New South Wales, Australia, by Mrs. Smith, a grandmother. The apple is the most widely grown and eaten fruit in the world.
Okay, enough trivia. It's time for some useful apple information.
* Waxy build-up? Apples and many other fruits and vegetables arrive at your grocer's with a wax coating. This is done to seal in moisture and extend the storage life of the produce. The food industry assures consumers that the wax is safe to eat. Sadly, it is also a pain in the tush to scrub off.
* All dried up. Want to dry some apples, but don't have the time right now? Apples can be stored in a cool, dry room for a few weeks, until you can get around to them.
* For a new twist to you your table setting, try making apple candle holders. Use an apple corer or knife to carve out the top of an apple (don't go all the way through) to fit either a taper
candle or a tea-light.
* To prevent the cut side of apples from browning, coat them with something acidic, such as lemon juice or an ascorbic acid dip.
* Good all-purpose apples: Cortland, Crispin, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Winesap.
* Best apples for eating raw: Gala, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious.
* Best for cooking: Gravenstein, Rhode Island Greening and York Imperial.
* Best for baking: Cortland, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty, Winesap, York Imperial.
*Apple yields: 1 pound fresh = 2 large, 3 medium or 4 small; 2-2 1/2 cups chopped or sliced. 1 pound dried apples = 4 1/3 cups, 8 cups cooked.
Try eating apples in some new ways:
*Add thin slices of apple to sandwiches - such as ham or turkey with your favorite cheese for added flavor and crunch.
*Cooked apples taste great in savory dishes with chicken, pork, cabbage, onions and potatoes.
*Liven up your favorite coleslaw recipe by folding in crisp, chopped apples.
*Top butter crackers with thin apple wedges after spreading them with peanut butter or cream cheese.
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