Green or red, add this powerful fruit to your diet

You likely know the familiar expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while the phrase may have been coined more than a century ago, way back in 1913, recent studies have provided strong scientific evidence that prove the saying holds an enormous amount of weight.

Apples are among the oldest and most recognisable fruits in the world, are easy to store and transport, and as a result, are typically available year round. The reasons to pick one up and munch are many, because apples are particularly good at fending off various diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The shelves at Choithrams.com are stocked full of juicy apples, of all colours and varieties, and this month we take a look at the offering from Europe, specifically France.

Almost 50,000 tonnes of French apples are exported to the MENA region in one growing season, with 65% of them produced in eco-friendly orchards across the European country. Interfel, a French fresh fruit and vegetable organisation responsible for promoting the consumption of apples in the Middle East, along with the European Commission, showcase a range of quality fruit and vegetables each season, and Choithrams is proud to carry a wide selection.

Raw or cooked, peeled or whole, alone or combined with other fruits and other flavours, the apple can be cooked according to your tastes or your desires. Treat your loved ones and impress your guests with an apple-based recipe. European Apples explains how to core an apple with style.

1 Prick the apple through the core with an apple corer.

2 Move it in a circular motion around the core.

3 Lay the apple flat on the work surface.

4 Keep turning until the core comes loose.

The National Association of Apples and Pears (ANPP) divides French apples into five different categories — gourmet; fragrant; balanced; rustic; tonic. The most popular type of apple grown in France is Golden, which benefits from official marks of quality and origin. Due to their tolerance to drought and hardy adaptation to all types of rootstock, Golden are renowned for their easy cultivation and represent 35% of all apples grown in France today. However, it's the Gala apple's sweetness that makes it the most popular choice in the UAE.

While all global markets are highly competitive, France consistently produces apples that are crisp and full of rustic taste, having been grown in a temperate climate, with abundant sunlight and respect for the local environment. This gives them a distinct competitive edge whether as an on-the-go snack or used as an ingredient for cooking.

One serving, or one medium apple, provides about 95 calories, 0 gram fat, 1 gram protein, 25 grams carbohydrate, 19 grams sugar (naturally occurring), and 3 grams of fibre.