Apples come out tops as Kiwis’ favourite winter fruit

Apples come out tops as Kiwis’ favourite winter fruit

Kiwis are putting their faith in the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and have voted the apple as their favourite seasonal winter fruit.

A quarter of all Kiwis picked apples as their favourite seasonal winter fruit, followed by avocado (15 per cent) and mandarins (14 per cent), in a recent 5+ A Day survey.

5+ A Day nutritionist, Bronwen Anderson, says apples are an economical option for Kiwi households, especially when they are in season during the winter.

“From a nutritional perspective apples are an excellent source of fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer without costing you a lot of calories,” says Bronwen. “Apples are also a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C, which is important for the growth and repair of all body tissues. Vitamin C also helps to heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.”

New Zealand grows a variety of apples suitable for eating and cooking, which makes them a very versatile fruit, says Bronwen.

“Apples are a great snack as not only do they satisfy your hunger, they also quench your thirst due to their high water content. They can be used in a variety of different recipes.”

As we head into the cooler months, colour is key to getting all the micronutrients you need to boost your immune system, says Bronwen.

"Other seasonal winter produce to look out for are oranges, kiwifruit, Nashi pear, mandarins, pears and persimmon, parsnips, leeks, broccoli, kumara and cauliflower. Select produce that is bright in colour, as this indicates it is nutrient-rich.”

Here are five quick, easy tips on how to make the most of apples this winter.

Spice up your morning porridge by mixing apples that have been peeled, cored and thinly sliced into your oats. Add half a teaspoon of mixed spice and cinnamon to the oats and stir. Serve drizzled with honey and slivered almonds.

For a quick easy chutney, combine two chopped apples, ½ a chopped red onion, one teaspoon minced ginger and a ¼ cup each of chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries and red wine vinegar in a pot. Cook until the apples are tender. Remove from the heat, leave to cool and transfer to sterilised, clean, dry jars and seal. Spread in sandwiches or use as an accompaniment on a cheeseboard.

Classic apple crumble is hard to beat and is always a family favourite. For a lovely nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds to the topping. Try combining your apples with blackberries or pears for a delicious twist.

The cooler months means toe-warming soup is the order of the day. For a quick, easy soup, in a large pot soften a chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil. Add one teaspoon of ground coriander and ½ teaspoon of ground cumin. Add 800g chopped, peeled parsnips and 300g of peeled, chopped apples, followed by one litre of chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes until the parsnip are completely softened. Put through a blender or use a hand whizz and blend until smooth. Serve with fresh, crusty bread.

Apples go well in sweet dishes but they also work wonders in savoury dishes. For an easy winter slaw perfect with pork, sauté spring onions and chopped cabbage until soft. Add one sliced large apple, chopped walnuts and chopped pitted prunes. Cook for 1-2 minutes and serve with pork steaks or loin.

The results of the 5+ A Day poll are from a survey of 700 people nationwide, conducted by Nielsen in March. It forms part of 5+ A Day’s ongoing consumer research into the fresh produce industry and the eating habits of New Zealanders when it comes to fruit and vegetables.

For more tips and recipes go to www.5aday.co.nz or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/5adayNZ or Fredge_5Aday on Twitter.

ENDS

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