Is there any other fruit that can claim as many starring roles in stories, legends, clichés and one-liners as the apple? From its central role as the forbidden fruit in the Adam and Eve Biblical tale to being the chosen fruit that Sleeping Beauty’s evil stepmother uses to poison her biggest threat – sinking your teeth into a crisp and juicy apple conjures up a bit of folklore and even sage advice (an apple a day keeps the doctor away) in each bite.
While everyone has their favorite – Macintosh, granny smith, gala or Fuji – the red delicious is the most popular apple variety in the United States and each year, Americans buy more than 62 million bushels of the fruit, according to the U.S. Apple Association.
And apples are versatile. They can be eaten straight from the tree, coated in chocolate, dipped in caramel, baked into a pie or cake or used in a variety of different ways. If, after a season of apple picking, you have too many apples on-hand, try some of these alternative uses for apples.
Sneak medicine to horses. Do you have a horse, cow bunny, guinea pig or bird that won’t take its prescribed medicine? Hide the medicine inside an apple chunk to make the dose easier to swallow.
Make candle holders. Core the center of an apple, insert a taper candle and light for a festive, autumn-themed dinner party.
Grow the seeds. Apple seeds sprout easily – just make sure to dry out the seeds for a few weeks – making a nice little houseplant, or transplanted, a nice tree. Sprouting apple seeds is a great project for children and a great way to teach them about the food life cycle, but the tree could take several years (five or more) before it starts producing fruit. Seeds can be sprouted either in a seed-starter soil or even in a cup of water but they should be kept in a cool and sunny spot.
Ripen tomatoes. Place green, unripe tomatoes in a paper bag with apples to speed in ripening.
Easy potpourri. Simmer apples, a cinnamon stick and orange peel on the stove with a bit of water to fill the home with a scrumptious scent.
Soften hardened brown sugar. Place a slice of apple in a canister of hardened brown sugar, cover and allow to sit over night. The apple will soften the sugar without affecting the flavor.
Use in crafts. Slice apples, dry them and use to make wreaths or other decorations. Combine with dried lemon, orange or other fruit slices for a unique look. Apple stamping is also popular. Slice apple in half, dip in ink or paint, then stamp onto napkins, paper bags, invitations or plain paper. Apple dolls may be made by peeling the skin from the fruit, dipping the apple into lemon juice and drying for a week. The fruit will dry and shrivel, then can be used to make a doll. Attach eyes, a mouth, hair and other features using buttons, yarn, string or other materials.
Dry for later snacking. Slice apples, dip into lemon juice and or mildly salted water and dry. Dried apples can be eaten alone or added to homemade trail mix.
Use in baking. Apples are used to bring unique flavor to a variety of dishes – from pork chops and chicken to pot roast and ham – slice them and throw them into the pot.
Treat dandruff. Massage apple juice (either freshly juiced or unsweetened, pure juice) into hair after washing and allow to sit for several minutes. Rinse. Apple juice is great for removing dandruff-causing dirt and build-up.
At home facial. Combine pureed apple with unflavored yogurt and honey for a nutrient-rich homemade facial conditioner. Smooth onto face, allow to sit for several moments before rinsing.
Add to bath. Add a cup of pure apple juice to the bath for a scented soak or add thin apple slices for a luxurious ambiance.
Source:
U.S. Apple Association, www.usapple.org, Oct. 20, 2009
