Chocolate and Apples: A Match Made in Health Heaven

It sounds too good to be true, but these two healthy whole foods are POWERED UP when eaten together. Power Pairings are foods that, when combined, unlock additional health benefits so you can get the most nutritional bang for your buck.

Quercetin, which is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid, is found in apples. Studies have found that quercetin can reduce the risk of heart attack, Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Chocolate, on the other hand, contains a flavonoid called catechin. This antioxidant reduces the risk of cancers and atherosclerosis. When consumed together, catechins and quercetin will loosen the clumped blood platelets, improving cardiovascular health and anticoagulant activity.

Apples, particularly Red Delicious, are high in an anti-inflammatory flavonoid called quercetin, especially in their skins. Note: It’s essential to buy organic because pesticides concentrate in the skins of conventionally grown apples. By itself, quercetin has been shown to reduce the risk of allergies, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and prostate and lung cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apples Cause Bloating or Gas?

Apples have been known to cause bloating and other digestive issues for some people because of their high fiber and fructose content. Fiber and fructose can be fermented by the large intestine and may cause gas and bloating. Cooked apples may be easier to digest than fresh ones.

Which Apples Are Best for Baking?

When baking with apples, you should look for a specific type; each has a particular purpose. Not every apple is created equal! The best apples for baking keep their structure, which keeps the apple from turning into mush after spending some time in the oven. Honey Crisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Mutsu are some of the best baking apples.

Can Apples Be Frozen?

Yes, and easily. Frozen apples are perfect for pie, applesauce, and any other recipe that calls for cooked apples. Wash the whole apples, drain, core, and dry. Place them in freezer bags and freeze. When ready to use them, run cold water over each frozen apple just before peeling.

Should We Eat an Apple a Day? Will They Make Us Fat?

We have all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away .”While that may not be the truth, apples are about 85% water, and they can help fill you up without a lot of calories to help keep weight off.

What Are the Seasons for Different Apples?

In our modern-day supermarket, an apple is something that never disappears. No matter what time of year it is, there will be apples. Apples that are fresh and in season can be found from August until the beginning of spring.

• The early apples are the tart ones, such as Transparent and Vista Bella.
• Many apples ripen in September, such as Honey Crisp, McIntosh, and the sweet Gala.
• October is baking apple season. Ida Red, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy are readily available.
• November and December tend to be slow for apples. Not many new varieties hit the shelves during these months.
• The winter sees apples harvested in October and placed in cold storage on the shelf. Apples are put in cold storage because they need to age to taste better or fill voids left after other apples sell out. Winter apples are Lady Alice, Junami, and Jazz.
• Spring until September is a “dry” apple time.

Why Is Dark Chocolate Better for You Than Milk Chocolate?

Studies have found that people who eat dark chocolate significantly decrease blood pressure. Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants seek out harmful cancer-causing biological waste, called free radicals, and eliminate them. The study subjects who ate dark chocolate alone had more total antioxidants in their blood, particularly an antioxidant called epicatechin.

What Dark Chocolate Is the Healthiest?

Research suggests that consuming minimally processed dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa content is the healthiest. 70% cocoa and higher dark chocolate are healthiest because they contain the most potent antioxidants and the least sugar, providing the most benefits from dark chocolate.

Will Dark Chocolate Make You Fat?

Too much dark chocolate can add on unwanted pounds because of the calories and the fat content. A healthy daily serving is half an ounce or one ounce of dark chocolate.

What Makes Dark Chocolate Turn White?

So many people are upset when their chocolate turns white, but it is natural. It is a harmless change called a “Fat Bloom .”Liquid fat, such as the cocoa butter found in the chocolate, migrates through the chocolate and will crystallize on the candy’s surface.

Will Dark Chocolate Harm My Dog?

A small amount will likely only make your dog feel a little sick. There is a chance that they will vomit and have some diarrhea. Large amounts can kill your dog. The theobromine found in chocolate can produce muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding, or a heart attack.

Recipes

Apple and Dark Chocolate Nachos

Use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, Fuji, Honey Crisp Red Delicious, cored, each apple cut into 20-30 slices
• 1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Preparation:

• Arrange a layer of apple slices on a plate.
• In a saucepan over low heat, add your peanut butter. CAUTION: if not warmed on LOW heat peanut butter will get hard.
• Whisk continuously as peanut butter melts. Blend it as the oil separates from the solids. About 4-5 minutes.
• Set aside for a moment.
• In a saucepan, bring roughly an inch of water to a simmer.
• Set a heatproof bowl in the mouth of the pot. Water cannot touch the bottom of the bowl.
• Add chocolate and occasionally stir as it softens.
• When there are just a few chips left, remove the bowl from heat because they will melt from residual heat.
• Set aside.
• Drizzle peanut butter and chocolate over apple slices.
• Add some dark chocolate chips for texture.
• Add another layer of sliced apples.
• Drizzle again with peanut butter and chocolate. Add more dark chocolate chips.
• Continue until all ingredients are used up.

Chocolate Dipped Apples

Here’s how to make chocolate dipped apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• 6-8 small apples, washed and dried
• Toppings (optional):
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts

Preparation:

• In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Dip each apple into the chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
• If desired, top the apples with shredded coconut or chopped nuts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Here’s how to make chocolate covered apple slices.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 apples, depending on size
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil

Preparation:

• Core and slice apples thinly. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
• Dip apple slices into the chocolate mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.