We’ve all heard the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what truth is there in this old proverb?
Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants and are a great source of fibre. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce bad cholesterol, protect against certain types of cancers and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Why shouldn’t you peel your apples?
Red apples also contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that also gives blueberries their famed health benefits. However, a disproportionate amount of anthocyanins are found in the fruits skin compared to the flesh. So if you peel your apples you’ll throw away up to half of the anthocyanins.
What are anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins provide red, purple and blue colours to flowers and fruit but can also be found in leaves (particularly noticeable in the autumn when the green chlorophyll pigments are lost).
Plants produce anthocyanins for many reasons including attracting pollinators and seed dispersers but research increasingly suggests they may help to protect against a range of human ailments including heart disease and cancer.
For those that really don’t like apple skin there is however now an apple that also has anthocyanins in the flesh. In total, Redlove apples contain up to five times the anthocyanins of other apples. In case that isn’t a good enough reason on its own, they have an awesome mix of apple sharpness and sweetness that makes them perfect for eating fresh off the tree or juicing.
Apple Redlove® Odysso
Outstanding in so many ways! Rosy-red flesh with a beautiful pattern running through it. Crisp and juicy with a tingly freshness. Higher in antioxidants than other apples. High resistance to scab. Long-lasting, deep pink blossom. Delicious raw or cooked. Harvest early to mid-September and eat immediately or store until Christmas.