Seasons/Availability
Fresh Braeburn Apples are available from Washington State late September or early October through November and from cold storage the rest of the year. Check for availability.
Current Facts
Braeburn apples are favored and popular with the over 50 age group and the elderly due to their slightly softer, easy to eat and digest juicy texture. Apples have long been referred to as Nature's toothbrush! While they don't actually clean the teeth, apples promote dental hygiene. Biting and chewing an apple stimulates gums. The apple's sweetness promotes the flow of saliva which reduces tooth decay by decreasing the levels of bacteria in the mouth.
Description/Taste
Varying from greenish-gold to golden yellow and brushed with lovely muted red highlights, the aromatic Braeburn apple offers a deliciously sweet-tart taste and an exceptionally juicy texture. Some Braeburn apples may be nearly solid red.
Nutritional Value
An apple has no cholesterol and contains pectin, a beneficial fiber provided by apples. This fiber may actually work to reduce the body's cholesterol level and help prevent heart attacks. Pectin also slows glucose metabolism in diabetics. Apples contain potassium, which may reduce the chances of a stroke and have a trace of boron believed to build bones and to increase mental vitality. Apples offer a small amount of vitamin A and vitamin C and have only a trace of sodium. An average-size apple contains about 80 calories. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
An ideal dessert apple fresh or baked, add Braeburn's amiable spicy-sweet flavor to muffins, cobblers, tarts, tortes, cakes, pies and cookies. No need to add sugar to applesauce. Add crunch and succulent flavor to mixed green and fresh fruit salads. Pair with poultry, meats and sausage. Combine several apple varieties to create a complex flavor. Take along for a healthy portable snack. To store, keep apples as cold as possible in the refrigerator. Apples do not freeze until the temperature drops to 28.5 degrees F. Purchased in good condition, refrigerated apples should keep up to six weeks.
Geography/History
Some fruit researchers claim the apple is native to temperate areas of Asia and Europe but others believe the origin of the domestic apple is uncertain. One thing we all know for sure is that with the help of Mother Nature and mankind, apples have traveled all around the globe and have become a very popular fruit. Discovered as a chance seedling near Nelson, New Zealand in 1952, the Braeburn apple's parentage is thought to have possibly occurred when the Lady Hamilton and Granny Smith crossed paths.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Braeburn Apples. One is easiest, three is harder.
is easiest, three is harder.