It is one of the most popular fruits and is available all year round. It also has multiple health-beneficial properties:
It contains pectin which reduces cholesterol and diabetes, amino acids, acids, sugars and fibres. It also has anti-inflammatory properties for the digestive system, as it acts as a mild laxative and is astringent in diarrhoea or colitis. It is also diuretic and depurative, anti-catarrhal and hypotensive and helps in the elimination of fats
There are many varieties of apples and generally the season starts in September and lasts until June, although there are varieties that are on the market from August to November and others all year round. The most popular varieties are:
Fuji: round, medium size, dark red skin and yellowish green background, dense, sweet and crunchy flesh, long shelf life. Fuji: round, medium size, dark red skin and yellowish green background, dense, sweet and crunchy flesh, long shelf life
Pink Lady: cross between the Australian Lady Williams apple and Golden Delicious, pink skin, thin and crunchy, not very mealy, strawberry and vanilla aroma.
Marlene: variety from South Tyrol in the Alps
Royal Extra: very rounded shape, skin with red and orange stripes and greenish-yellow background, white flesh, crunchy, sweet and tasty.
Granny Smith: bright green skin, crisp and acidic, strong texture and slow oxidation
Golden: smooth, bright yellow skin, white flesh and very sweet.
Golden Fr: Golden variety from France