10 February 2010

Apples are a delicious and versatile food that can be used in many ways. They can be eaten raw as a crunchy snack or baked, cooked, made into sauce or puree and cooked in pies or cakes. When children ask for a snack, give them an apple rather than a biscuit or crisps and remember that a crispy apple makes a delicious addition to a packed lunch.

Apples are a good source of fibre (about 2g /apple) and vitamin C, which is stored close to the skin. When you peel an apple you lose about half the fibre and a significant amount of vitamin C. One apple contains about 10 g carbohydrate in the form of starch and natural sugar. Apples are not as high in vitamin C as citrus fruits.

However, if they are eaten frequently enough they can become a valuable source of this important vitamin.

A healthy snack

For most children apples are a favourite fruit. So, when children ask for a snack, give them an apple rather than a biscuit or crisps and remember that a crispy apple makes a delicious addition to a packed lunch.