Fall is apple season, and it’s healthy and beneficial to eat the fruits and veggies in season. Virginia has wonderful farmers who grow a variety of tasty, fresh apples. In fact, if you plan correctly you can purchase apples the very day they are picked. Here are two favorite locations: Saunders Bros., Piney River, VA and Jamison’s Orchards Farm Market, 5335 Grandin Rd. Ext., Roanoke, VA 24018.

Apples are moderate on the glycemic index, fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free and full of fiber. Keep the skins on; 1/2 of the fiber comes from the skins. A medium apple gives you about 3.3 grams of fiber and is only 80 calories.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the skins of apples are loaded with quercitin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory qualities. Quercitin is good for allergies and other sinus problems, especially when coupled with bromelain, an enzyme found in fresh pineapple.

Here’s a quick and fun apple recipe that would be wonderful for brunch:

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
  • 1 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons raw sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 4 Tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Combine dry ingredients.  Beat egg with buttermilk and add to dry ingredients along with lemon zest and melted butter.  Stir just to combine.
Using toothpick or chopsticks, dip apple rings (1/8″ thick) into batter and saute in butter like you would pancakes. 
Serve with favorite toppings like maple syrup.