Living in Michigan, we know a few things about apples as we are one of the top producers of this delicious, healthy, and healing fruit. Another state that is a close competitor for apple production, where apple trees do not need climate adjustment, is Washington. In fact, Washington is responsible for about 60% of the U.S. apple production!
According to Gardenia, growing conditions for apple trees, “Most apple trees can only be grown in hardiness zones 3-8 and require between 500 and 1,000 hours of winter chill (hours of temperatures below 45°F (7°C) in the winter for their buds to open in the spring).
However, low-chill varieties requiring less than 400 hours of winter chill can bear apples in zones 9-10 such as Lady Pink, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Gravenstein, or Jonagold.
Full sun lovers, apple trees are easily grown in deep, loamy, moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. They prefer a sheltered, frost-free position.
Apple trees should be planted when dormant from late fall until early spring,”.
With these climate zones in mind, here are the top states that produce apples:
- Washington
- New York
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- California
- Oregon
(Photo Credit: News Radio KPQ 101.7 FM)
Apple health benefits
Of course, we all know the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” But did you know that eating an apple helps with heartburn? I recently made this accidental discovery one evening, when I had some fairly annoying heartburn after eating some spicy, tomato-based food. Even though I wasn’t feeling too well, I still needed to get in some fiber for the day.
I grabbed an apple from my refrigerator, ate it, and shortly after noticed that my heartburn was gone, but wasn’t sure the apple had anything to do with it. So, the next time I got heartburn, I decided to try the apple experiment again. Turns out – it worked like a charm! Well, at least for me it did.
The Mayo Clinic reports, “Here’s how a daily apple supports overall health:
- Antioxidants.
These substances reduce inflammation, aid in digestion and provide protection against cancers such as colorectal, lung and some forms of breast cancer. Antioxidants also help lower the risk of asthma, improve lung function and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Fiber.
Fiber aids in weight loss by slowing digestion, reduces constipation by providing bulk and promotes gut health. It reduces the risk for heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It also helps lower blood sugar.
- Hydration.
An apple contains 85% water, so it can help quench your thirst.
- Phytochemicals.
Apples contain:
Fisetin, which may protect against memory loss and boost brain health.
Pectin, which acts as a prebiotic “food” for growing good bacteria.
Quercetin, which protects your brain from oxidative stress, stops harmful bacteria from growing in your gut and strengthens your immune system,”.
Healthline further supports my apple-heartburn hypothesis by sharing that, “Although people report success in managing acid reflux with apples, no specific scientific studies support these claims.
However, apples contain certain nutrients that may help neutralize symptoms of acid reflux. These include calcium and magnesium.
These compounds can have an alkalizing effect, which means they may help make their environment more alkaline and less acidic. Both calcium and magnesium are common ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) antacids.
Apples contain fiber and beneficial antioxidants, which may benefit your digestive health and overall health,”.
What can I make out of an apple?
Apples are like the perfect fruit because they can be used in so many ways, such as but not limited to the following:
- Applesauce
- Apple pie
- Pork chops simmered with apples and cinnamon
- Apple slices and peanut butter
- Apples and cheese
- Apple cinnamon oatmeal (my youngest son’s favorite!)
- Apple crisp or crumble
- Caramel apples
- Apple butter (my mom used to make this delicious treat!)
- Apple walnut salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Apple cheddar grilled cheese sandwich
- Stuffed baked apples with brown sugar and oats
- Apple fritters
- Sautéed apples over vanilla ice cream
- Apple and brie flatbread or pizza
- Apple cider
- Apple bread (my mom made this as well!)
Below are some more apple recipes that I have not thought of from the experts at The Food Network, “Whether you’re trying to use up your fall haul after a trip to the orchard or want to get creative with that lone apple in your kitchen—you’ll find that this sweet and delicious fruit is perfect for perking up everything from sandwiches and salads to breakfasts and baked goods.
- Apple-Cheddar Soup
- Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Cornbread-Stuffed Baked Apples
- Easy Apple Slaw with Apple Jalapeño Dressing
- Braised Chicken Thighs and Apples
- Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes
- Apple-and-Ham Salad
- Apple Fries
- Turkey-Apple Swedish Meatballs
- Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla
- Chicken and Apple Salad
- Shredded Beet and Apple Salad
- Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad
- Cheesecake-Stuffed Apples,”.
These all sound amazing! But for this article’s purpose, I will only share the Food Network’s Cheescake-stuffed apple recipe:
Ingredients
Two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature, beaten
8 medium red baking apples, such as Gala
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (about 5 whole crackers)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Prepared caramel sauce for serving
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Directions
Mix together the cream cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, and vanilla with a rubber spatula in a medium bowl until completely smooth. Add the eggs and stir until completely combined.
- Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300 degrees F. Cut a 1/4-inch off the top of each apple and use a melon baller or teaspoon to remove the stem and core and to hollow out about 2/3 of the apple, leaving 1/2-inch of flesh around the edge (reserve the removed apples for applesauce or smoothies). Fill each apple with cheesecake batter just below the rim. Wipe away any drips or spills off the outside and top of the apple before baking. Arrange apples in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and bake until the apples are soft but still hold their shape and have not split, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.
- Meanwhile, pulse together the graham crackers, cinnamon and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a food processor until fine crumbs. Add butter and process until combined.
- Divide apples among small serving plates and top each with a generous drizzle of caramel and sprinkles or graham cracker mixture and chopped walnuts.
Minus the walnuts, this recipe sounds amazing, and I cannot wait to try it!
Apple tree climate zone
In conclusion, whether you’re growing them in your backyard, eating one for your health, or baking them into something delicious, apples truly deserve their legendary status.