Autumn is for Apples

Apples en masse - take your pick!

Apples — tree-ripened, fragrant and juicy are in season during Autumn months in Australia. Our varieties include Royal Gala, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Fuji, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Jazz and Sundowner.

Apples are perfect for eating raw and can also be used in sweet or savoury dishes. Serve them for breakfast and pop one into the lunchbox. Enjoy them fresh and whole, or diced in salads, baked, stewed, roasted or grated.

If you want apples to break up in cooking, cook with a little water but no sugar. To keep the shape of apple pieces, cook in a syrup (1/2 cup of sugar for 1 cup tart apples, less sugar for sweeter ones). The sugar acts in the same way as salt, withdrawing moisture from the apple so that the pieces hold together. Apples need very little water.  Just a little in the bottom of a saucepan to prevent scorching.

When shopping for apples, look for a good, bright appearance and a firm, tight skin.  To maintain their freshness, store in a cool place such as the crisper section of your refrigerator. Look for the Aussie Apples sticker when buying from a supermarket or greengrocer.