From Orchard to Table: Top Ten Autumn-Inspired Apple Cooking Tips
17th September 2024
As the air turns crisp and leaves change colour, apples come into their prime. This versatile fruit is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and endless culinary possibilities. Here at the school, we love celebrating the autumn season by bringing out the best in apples. Whether you're a novice or seasoned cook, these tips will help you make the most of autumn's bounty!
Buying Guide: How to Select the Finest Produce
1. Sense Check
When shopping for apples, check your senses to ensure you’re selecting the best!
Look: The skin should be smooth and shiny; dull or wrinkled skin may indicate the apple is old or improperly stored, while a bright, vibrant look suggests freshness. Check for visible blemishes, bruises, or cuts; minor imperfections are okay, but deeper blemishes can cause quicker decay. Uniform colour, regardless of whether it's red, yellow, or green, typically means the apple is ripe and ready to eat. An attached stem suggests the apple hasn't dried out, while a shrivelled stem could indicate it's past its prime.
Smell: A ripe apple has a pleasant, sweet fragrance; little fragrance might mean it's not fully ripe.
Touch: Choose apples that feel firm and solid to touch, avoiding those with soft spots or bruises, as these suggest overripeness or damage. Size doesn't always equate to quality, as smaller apples can often be more flavourful and have a better texture, particularly for eating raw. Lastly, for a ripeness test, press gently near the stem; a slight give means it's ripe, whereas firm resistance suggests it's not quite ready.
2. Shop Local & Seasonal
Whenever possible, buy apples that are in season and grown locally. In the autumn, local orchards or farmers markets offer the freshest apples, which are often picked at peak ripeness. Organic apples may be a better option if you want to avoid exposure to pesticides. Apples often rank high on the "Dirty Dozen" list of fruits with pesticide residue.
3. Right Apple for the Right Dish
Not all apples are created equal! Understanding which apple suits your recipe is key. For baking, opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smiths, which hold their shape well in pies or tarts. For a fresh apple salad, sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji add a delicious crisp texture. While for sauces and ciders, choose softer apples like Golden Delicious as they will break down more easily.
Perfect Prep: Maximising the Potential of Your Apples
4. Store Apples Properly
Store apples in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. If you want to ripen apples quickly, leave them at room temperature for a couple of days.
5. Get the Right Equipment
An apple corer is a handy tool that removes the core and seeds easily, saving time and effort in prepping apples for cooking or snacking. If your recipe calls for peeled apples, use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove just the skin, avoiding waste. We like this one from OXO. Don’t forget, you can save the peels for other uses like making apple tea or crispy apple peel snacks. For paper-thin apple slices, perfect for tarts or salads, a mandoline gives you precise cuts and ensures consistency in thickness.
6. Prevent Browning
When prepping apples, oxidation can quickly turn them brown. A squeeze of lemon juice over sliced apples will keep them looking fresh and vibrant, whether you're preparing a salad or apple slices for snacking. A saltwater soak (about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) can also prevent browning. Just soak apple slices for a few minutes, then rinse before using. This method is subtle and won't affect flavour.
7. Preparation Techniques
- Wash Apples Thoroughly: Apples can carry pesticides, wax, or dirt. Wash them thoroughly under cold water and use a soft brush to scrub away any residues.
- Grate Apples for Baking: Grated apples add moisture to cakes, breads, and muffins, keeping them soft and adding a light, sweet flavour. Grated apples blend into recipes like cakes, muffins, or slaws, releasing their flavour quickly without adding large chunks. Perfect for moist baked goods. Want to try this technique out? Check out our Morning Glory Muffins recipe! These muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, apples, and nuts, making for a healthy and tasty treat to start your day.
- Slice Evenly for Even Cooking: Whether you're baking, roasting, or sautéing apples, slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others turn mushy.
- Blanch Apples for a Softer Texture: For recipes like apple pie where a softer texture is desired, blanch apple slices in boiling water for 30 seconds before baking. This helps them cook evenly in the oven.
- Cut Apples Right Before Use: Cut apples as close to the time of use as possible to maintain freshness and prevent them from browning too much, especially for raw preparations.
- Freeze Apple Slices for Later Use: To preserve apples, peel, core, and slice them, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag for future use in pies or smoothies.
The Delight of Autumn: Embracing Apples in Seasonal Cooking
8. Spice It Up!
Autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves complement apples beautifully. Try adding a pinch of each when making apple compote, baked apples, or apple crumble. These warm spices create a cozy, aromatic dessert perfect for autumn evenings.
9. Roast Apples for Depth of Flavour
Roasting apples brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavour. Toss apple wedges with a little olive oil and roast them with root vegetables for a savoury side dish, or sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet snack.
10. Go Beyond Apple Pie
Apples aren’t just for desserts! Add thin apple slices to salads for a sweet and tart crunch, or use apples to balance out savoury dishes like roasted pork, chicken, or even curries. The natural acidity in apples can cut through rich flavours, creating a balanced dish. While apple pie is a classic, don’t stop there! Explore other apple-based pastries like tarts or rustic apple galettes. Incorporating apples into muffins or quick breads can bring a moist, fruity sweetness perfect for autumn breakfasts. If you've never made apple butter, autumn is the perfect time! Slowly simmer apples with sugar and spices until they become a rich, spreadable preserve. It’s a wonderful addition to toast, porridge, or even savoury dishes like roast pork.
- Soups: Apples bring a subtle sweetness to butternut squash or pumpkin soups, balancing out the savoury flavours.
- Risotto: Stir small apple cubes into risotto for a surprise burst of sweetness that complements creamy, savoury flavours.
- Compotes: Cook apples down with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon to make a chunky compote, great for topping pancakes or stirring into yogurt.
- Stuffing: Dice apples into your bread stuffing for an autumnal twist, adding a sweet contrast to savoury herbs and sausage.
- Coleslaw: Toss thin apple slices into a coleslaw for a crisp, refreshing balance to cabbage and other crunchy veggies.
- Cocktails: Use apple slices or juice in autumn cocktails like apple martinis, or simply infuse vodka with apples and cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Apple Sauce: A simple yet flavourful classic, this apple sauce can be enjoyed on its own or as a sweet accompaniment to various dishes. Check out this recipe for how to make at home!
- Liquid Gold: Don’t throw away those peels! Use them to make a homemade apple tea or infuse them into simple syrup for cocktails or desserts. You can also bake the peels with cinnamon and sugar for a crispy, healthy snack.
By following these tips, you can unlock the full potential of autumn's most beloved fruit. Whether you're baking a pie, preparing a savoury dish, or simply enjoying a fresh apple, you'll appreciate the versatility and flavour that apples bring to the table. Or why not join us for one of our engaging autumn classes to refine your culinary skills and discover new techniques?
The Joy of Baking
Dive into the world of baking and learn how to create delightful pastries and breads that will impress family and friends.
Find out more
Modern Vegetarian
Explore innovative vegetarian recipes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavours, perfect for any meal.
Find out more
Become a Better Cook
Enhance your overall cooking skills with our comprehensive course designed for all skill levels, covering a range of culinary techniques and cuisines.
Find out more