User blog:Asnow89/Cooking 101: Apples

What is an apple?
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. Apples grow on small, deciduous trees.

There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples, resulting in a range of desired characteristics. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, fresh eating and cider production.

Tips & Tricks with Apples

 * Choose firm and shiny apples without any bruises or full skin, which hints at a lack of crispness and flavor
 * Refrigerate apples to maintain their crispness
 * If you want to prevent sliced apples from turning brown, keep them in a bowl with three parts water to one part lemon juice
 * Use a mix of sweet and tart apples when baking a pie for balanced flavor

Recipes
Apple Appetizers & Side Dishes Apples make great appetizers and side dishes. They offer the perfect hint of sweetness and tartness.

Recipes: Warm Brie with Baked Apples, Apple Butter in a Crock Pot, Down and Dirty Apple Chutney Dip

Apple Dinners Apples aren't exclusively for desserts- they work well in savory dishes. Pair apples with pork, cheese, salads, and more!

Recipes:Apple Cheddar Quesadillas, Apple Jelly-coated Pork Tenderloin, Apple and Celery Salad with Peanuts

Apple Desserts Apples are the ideal fruit for desserts because they bake well and are the perfect compliment to cinnamon and sugar.

Recipes:Apple Custard Meringue Pie, McIntosh Apple Pie, Apple Blintzes with Caramel Sauce and Cinnamon