Apple picking season is one time of year that the family can do a healthy activity together. Walking around the farm or orchard, picking the apples off the tree, carrying the heavy baskets, and then reaping the apple health benefits when they’re eaten. Though sometimes we get home and wonder what we’re going to do with all those apples!

Where I live, apple picking season is plentiful, and it’s one of my son’s favorite activities. (It sure is more relaxing than fielding baseballs in the backyard.) Yet I think that by choosing a few healthy apple recipes that we want to try even before heading out the door makes it even better, because it gives us something to do with all those apples when we return home. My son doesn’t even realize that I’m taking full advantage of apple health benefits too.

Apple Health Benefits

Why are apples so fantastic? They are loaded with antioxidants that are beneficial to our health by protecting against harmful free radicals that cause inflammation in the body. Apples are also falloff phytochemicals and phytonutrients that contain protective, disease-preventing compounds and provide the antioxidant benefits. Quercetin is a major phytochemical found in apples, and it is known to have potential anticancer benefits. Apple health benefits also come from being high in vitamin C. They’re a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and B-complex vitamins too. Even iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium can be found in apples.

Studies have shown that an apple a day can potentially:

• improve lipid metabolism
• lower inflammation in the body
• help prevent kidney stones
• help prevent strokes
• reduce risk of developing chronic conditions and cancers
• lower the size of breast cancer tumors
• improve heart health
• protect against neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

One study even showed that eating apples may extend lifespan by up to 10%! However, it’s important to note that apples are known to be a highly pesticide-contaminated fruit, so it’s best to pick (or buy them) them from an organic grower.

This year I’ve decided to take full advantage of apple picking season, so I’ve compiled a list of 30 healthy apple recipes. I’m sharing them here in case you want to do the same!

30 Healthy Apple Recipes

(for apple picking season or any other time of year)

Apple picking season is almost here, so take advantage of the many apple health benefits with these healthy apple recipes.

Baked Goods

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Doughnuts

Apple Pie Quick Bread

Apple Sauce Banana Cake

Apple Protein Muffins

 

Breakfast & Lunch

Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Apple Crisp Overnight Oats

Apple Granola Crunch Peanut Butter Wrap

Apple, Gouda and Pecan Pizza

 

Drinks

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider with Cinnamon

Cloudy Apple Pear Juice

 

Salads

Warm Sorghum Salad With Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel

Apple and Tomato Arugula Salad

Chickpea Salad with Apples & Celery

Spiralized Apple Cranberry Salad

Daikon Green Apple Salad with Pepitas

 

Sauces & Spreads

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

Naturally Sweetened Pot o’ Gold Applesauce

3 Ingredient Crock Pot Applesauce

Easy Paleo Apple Butter

 

Snacks

Apple Sandwiches

Microwave Cinnamon Apples

Healthy Apple “Cookies”

Simple Apple Chips

Apple Sandwich With Almond Butter, Blueberries & Pistachios

3 Ingredient Air Fryer Apple Chips

Dehydrated Apple Rings

No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake Pinwheels

Super Slimy Snail Snacks

Kermit the Frog Apple Snack

 

Before you head out with the family for apple picking season this year, select which recipes you want to try. Then you can go out and have fun while getting those apple health benefits too!

So, how do you like them apples??

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