By Taylor Sutton, MS, RDN, LD
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, especially when they’re juicy and in-season. Apples can be sourced from around the globe and when you see them in stores they are in peak season somewhere. There are so many different varieties of apples in which you can choose like 20 ounce, ace Mac, Braeburn, autumn crisp, to more familiar ones like gala, Fuji, red delicious, and sugar bee
One large apple is a naturally fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free snack… with just 130 calories. Apples contain over 20% of your daily fiber needs! Eating a diet with plenty of fiber can help keep your digestive system regular, lower blood cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels. They contain B vitamins to keep skin healthy and boron and phloridzin to maintain healthy bones. One serving of apples provides 8% of your daily Vitamin C needs and 7% of your daily potassium needs, as well as all these nutrients! There are so many more benefits but these are just a few to scratch the surface.
Research has spanned across the board from cancer, heart health, and diabetes. With all the things apples have going for them, their nutrient profile really is something to tout for many reasons. The nutrient that we like to focus on, as well as the research article, when it comes to your overall health though is fiber. Eating foods that are high in fiber and water and low in calories may help lead to successful weight loss. The fiber in apples slows the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, providing the energy you need without blood sugar spikes. Apples are also full of phytochemicals – plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing compounds.
The vibrant yellows, greens and reds are sure to make delectable dishes for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, or dessert. Since apple varieties do not all taste the same we encourage you to follow a recipe for desired results or play around if you’re up for being more adventurous.
Apple Goat Cheese Pecan Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 Roll Premade Pizza Dough
- 2 Chicken Apple Sausage
- 1 Tbsp. Fennel seeds
- 1/2 large Apple
- 2 oz. Goat Cheese
- 2 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 1/2 c. Arugula
- 1 tsp. Cornmeal
Directions
Heat a medium pan over medium heat.
Dice apples in 1/2 inch pieces and saute until just softened.
Slice the chicken apple sausage in half lengthwise and then again lengthwise.
Slice the chicken apple sausage into pieces.
Cook the chicken apple sausage with fennel seeds until a few caramel pieces begin to form.
Preheat the oven to 425 (or your particular crusts package directions).
On a baking sheet lightly dust with cornmeal.
Roll out the dough.
Evenly sprinkle the chicken apple sausage and apples.
Bake for 14 minutes (or until your particular crusts package directions).
In a bowl combine the arugula and balsamic vinegar.
Once the pizza has cooled, sprinkle on the goat cheese and arugula and enjoy.
