Nebraska Farm to Early Care and Education Toolkit

Apples

Apples are in season in Nebraska July through October. Some of the more popular varieties grown in Nebraska are Blushing Gold, Braeburn, Cameo, Empire, Enterprise, Evercrisp, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Idared, Jonagold, Jonathan, Pink Lady, Pinova, Red Delicious, Shizuka, Suncrisp, Winesap, and Zestar

Apple Fun Facts

  • Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants.
  • An average apple has about 80 calories and is fat free, sodium free, and cholesterol free.
  • There are over 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States.
  • Apples are 25% air. That’s why they float in water.
  • Apple trees take 8 to 10 years to produce standard size apples.
  • It takes approximately 36-40 apples to make one gallon of apple cider.
  • George Washington enjoyed pruning his apple trees.
  • Most apples are still picked by hand.
  • An apple contains about 6 – 10 seeds.
  • Apple trees can live to be around 100 years old.
  • Pilgrims planted the first apple trees when they arrive in the Massachusetts Bay. The only apple native to north America is the crab apple.

Purchasing and storing apples:

The apple should be firm with no bruises or soft spots. You can store apples at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 months in a plastic container. Do not wash apples until ready to use, then wash them well to remove pesticides.

Sources: https://parleefarms.com/apple-facts/, https://www.appleholler.com/apple-fun-facts-2/, https://web.extension.illinois.edu/apples/facts.cfm

For apple activities, crafts, and recipes check out the Early Care and Education Nebraska Crunch off resource.  Register for the October Crunch Off and visit the Nebraska Crunch Off webpage for more resources.

Recipes

Oatmeal Apple Muffins (My Plate recipe)

Apple Slice Pancakes (My Plate recipe)

Apple Spice Oatmeal

Fruity Oatmeal (USDA Recipe for Schools)

Apples and Almond Butter

Tuna Salad and Apples

Fruited Chicken Salad with Crackers (USDA Recipe)

Apple Salad (My Plate Recipe)

Baked Batatas and Apples

Apple Sauce (My Plate Recipe)

Harvest Delight

Sweet Potato Apple Bake (My Plate Recipe)

Apple & Chicken Salad (My Plate Recipe)

Waldorf Fruit Salad (USDA Recipe for Schools)

Apple Wedges with Pumpkin Almond Butter (My Plate recipe)

Peanut Butter and Apple Wraps (My Plate recipe)

Apple Tuna Sandwiches (My Plate recipe)

Apple & Cheddar Grill Cheese

Apple Sandwiches (My Plate recipe)

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska: Meet Your Farmers: https://buylocalnebraska.org/featured-members

Curriculum

Lesson Plans and Activities

 Nebraska Crunch Off

Updated September 8, 2023 9:45am