Apple Facts
Apples are grown in nearly every state, by more than 7,500 producers, in orchards covering about 363,000 acres of land. That’s a lot of apples!
You consume apples in the form of a “straight from the tree” apple, applesauce, spreads, juices, ciders, cakes, and the list could go on! Why? Why are we so hooked on this fall fruit? We know apples are tasty, but they are also packed with goodness.
Apples contain antioxidants that help us fight cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease, and it’s been shown that eating apples can help with weight loss. The increased fiber 
and the water content in apples help you to feel full longer, and therefore eat less overall. Most of the apples healthful qualities are found in the peel, so keep it on when you snack!
Over the years there’s been concern about the wax on apples. The US Apple Association tells us that apples straight from the tree have a natural wax that protects the fruit from losing juice. Without that wax, apples would become soft and dry. After apples are picked at commercial orchards, they are washed and that process can remove some of the natural wax, so mass growers add a commercial wax. A thin coat is applied, so just one pound of wax might be used on more than 150,000 apples! This wax is derived from natural sources and is approved by the FDA. The commercial wax adheres to the remaining natural wax and does not easily wash off. If you prefer to remove the wax at home, scrub your apples in lukewarm water with a vegetable brush before eating.
The most popular varieties of apples are Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious and Fuji among the more than 100 varieties that are grown in the US. It’s estimated that about 67% of apples are consumed in their natural state, and the remaining 33% are made in to juice, spreads, and other products.
What’s your favorite way to eat an apple? Send your favorite recipe to custcare@hdis.com - and we’ll publish a few in upcoming newsletter. We look forward to hearing from you!
Information from www.usapple.org