If you love the taste of a sweet apple on a nice autumn morning, you’ll be happy to know that National Apple Day is right here. Plus, there are some easy recipes that you could do to just celebrate the momentous occasion.
When Is National Apple Day?
National Apple Day is on October 21. The holiday was launched in 1990 by the UK organization Common Ground to raise awareness of the Earth’s rich and diverse landscape. It started as a small gathering before it boomed into a staple autumn holiday in Britain and worldwide.
America has a strong affinity for all fall-season foods, from pumpkins to cinnamon. Apples are also right up that alley, making National Apple Day a wonderful day to celebrate.
Benefits of Eating Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a famous quote for a reason. These fruits are rich in fiber, which lowers blood sugar levels and boosts digestion. They are also rich in Vitamin C and potassium, which improve heart health and other bodily functions.
Apples can be processed into new ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar (ACV), which carries all the benefits of these fruits and more. There’s anecdotal evidence that drinking one tablespoon of ACV diluted in eight ounces of water may help with acid reflux. However, further scientific research is needed.
Apple Recipes to Try Out
Celebrate National Apple Day by trying fall and festive recipes incorporating your sweet bushel. You could prepare them with or for your loved ones and chat about anything under the sun.
1. Baked Apples
Baked apples are potentially the easiest way to prepare these fruits while making it mouthwatering. Combine brown sugar with white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. You can set it aside afterward.
Slice your apples into uniform pieces and add a layer to a greased baking tray. You can leave the skin on or off, depending on your preference. Sprinkle on your brown sugar mix and make another layer before baking. Vanilla ice cream with this dish is top-tier.
2. Apple Mug Cake
A warm apple mug cake would make a delicious afternoon snack. Grate your fruits to make them easy to incorporate with the rest of your ingredients. Add flour, baking powder, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and your fruit goes straight into a microwave-safe mug.
Some people like to add a little lemon juice to complement the sweetness of the apple, but it’s optional. While it’s cooking, you could prepare a cold strawberry apple juice to go with it. Blend both fruits with water and enjoy your little concoctions.
3. Apple Crumble
Apple crumble is one of those recipes that just gets you excited about these colder seasons. It starts by cooking diced apples on the stove with a little water to make them tender. Then, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Toss and layer onto a baking sheet.
For the topping, mix flour, salt, brown sugar and butter together. It should create a crumbly mixture to place on top of your apples. Bake until the top is golden brown and the inner filling is bubbling and jammy.
4. Apple Pie
Making apple pie is one of the best ways to enjoy that fruity yet cozy aroma. Slice your fruits thinly and coat them with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside while coating your pie pan with a pre-made crust.
If you want to make the pie dough from scratch, you only need flour and cold butter. Massage the ingredients until crumbly and add ice water to smoothen it out. Chill before using.
Add a layer of rolled-out dough onto the greased pan and add your apple filling. For the top crust, cut up strips and layer them into a checkered pattern. You can also get creative by making more intricate shapes like a leaf to represent the season.
5. Cinnamon Apple Smoothie Bowl
Another easy recipe to whip up is the cinnamon apple blast. For the base, combine apple sauce with yogurt and one mashed frozen banana. You can also add almond milk and vanilla for both texture and taste. Top with flax seeds, granola, sliced apples and your favorite fruits with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is an American classic for National Apple Day. To make it, cut up celery, red grapes, apples and lettuce. Toss them in a bowl before adding crispy walnuts.
Many people debate whether to use yogurt or mayo for dressing, and it simply comes down to personal preference. Whisk the cream with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Drizzle it over the salad and toss it again before eating.
7. Caramel Apples
If you’ve never eaten caramel apples before, now’s the best day to try it. You can make the sauce with sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract on a stove. Add sticks to your bushel and dip them one by one into the heated liquid, ensuring you get an even coat. Baby marshmallows, nuts, and sprinkles would go well on the sides.
8. Apple Strudel
Apple strudel is a gift from the Germans. Make the sweet filling with sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar and raisins. For the dough, you can mix flour, salt, water, oil and lemon juice. Knead until it forms an elastic ball and let it rest.
Spread the dough on parchment paper and roll it out until flat. Spread butter and a few breadcrumbs around it before arranging your apple filling on one-half. From there, you can fold the bare part of the dough on top of the fruits.
Tuck the dough close and transfer the lump to a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown. You can add powdered sugar on top and slice up the servings.
Other Ways to Enjoy National Apple Day
Not up to making some apple recipes? There are still tons of ways to enjoy National Apple Day, such as:
Go on an orchard tour: Visit a nearby apple orchard and learn more about how these fruits are grown. It’s also a great opportunity to just bask in nature while enjoying the novelty of apple picking.
Buy local apple creations: Stock up on fruits from your local farmers to support their cultivation. You can also try different local apple products like ACV, jam, wine, and more to celebrate.
Learn a new apple fact: Did you know Granny Smith is a real person? Maria Anne Smith won “Best Cooking Apple” at the Castle Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Show in the 1890s after propagating the infamous light green apple.
Live Apple-y Ever After
National Apple Day is a quaint yet meaningful holiday that celebrates the land and what it provides to humanity. Pick your favorite apple variety and have a blast making a delicious dish. Have an apple-tastic day!