By Jena Pape

Hy-Vee Dietitian

Fall is officially upon us.  And if you take a look around you’ll notice that leaves aren’t the only thing changing.  With fall it seems as though everyone’s taste buds jump from craving cool, refreshing summer selections to a mixture of sweet, tart and savory dishes often centered around an all-time favored autumn’s harvest — apples.

Apples are a versatile option that can satisfy a variety of taste preferences and occasions.  So how does one choose between the diverse options of apples when shopping?  Stop by your local Hy-Vee to ask me or our friendly and knowledgeable produce staff.  To get you started though, here are a few popular varieties and a look at their flavor and best culinary uses.

Granny Smith: Considered to be the “all-purpose” apple.  Works equally well as a snack, in pies and other bakery items, as well as for making sauces.

Honeycrisp:  This crisp and juicy variety is another multi-purpose option that is excellent for snacking, salads, sauces, pies and freezing.

Braeburn: Offers a rich, spicy-sweet flavor and is a great option for snacking.

SweeTango: Juicy and sweet-tart flavor with hints of fall spices, great for snacking and salads.

Ambrosia: A sweet flavor with crisp texture, that is great for snacks and desserts.  They are slow to brown after cutting and are ideal for fresh fruit salads.

Pink Lady: Noted for its tangy-sweet flavor and excellent for snacks, in baking, and making applesauce or pureed soups.

Gala: Ideal for snacking because of its juicy and very sweet profile.

Cortland: A tender option that resists browning and is an excellent choice for salads, fruit kabobs and garnishes.

Regardless of variety, these fall favorites are all packed with nutrition.

We’ve all heard the saying before, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples provide us with a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can be beneficial in helping people stay full longer and may also help lower cholesterol levels.  One thing to keep in mind though; to receive optimal benefits from apples, you must eat the entire apple, including the peel which is where most of the fiber comes from.

With that in mind, I want to share a way to enjoy the benefits of the entire apple as a sweet treat with a simplified way to make “gourmet”-looking caramel apples.  You can enjoy making these treats without creating a big mess or having it become a time-consuming production.

The secret is using caramel apple wraps.  Hy-Vee sells these thin, circular sheets of caramel that you simply wrap around an apple and heat in the oven or microwave according to package directions.  After the wraps are slightly cool, you can get creative and apply your choice of toppings.

If interested, come try these wraps out on our “Fall Fun Night.”  For more details email jpape@hy-vee.com or check out the flyer by liking our Austin Hy-Vee’s Facebook page.

 Source: Hy-Vee Seasons Magazine