Shopping for Apples - Tip of the Day

Apples are one of winter's greatest pleasures. Typically harvested in the fall, they store well in cold places, making them an appropriate seasonal fruit for winter months.

Many apples are grown far away from where they are sold -- even overseas -- then treated with an odorless, harmless gas that prolongs their shelf life. The only problem? Long-stored apples lack the fresh flavor of more recently picked varieties, and the acidity that makes so many varieties tasty tends to fade over time. So if you're lucky enough to live in an apple-growing region, try to buy local fruit. If not, look for apples with firm, unblemished skin. If crisper apples are your preference, try to indent the apple with your index finger; if it doesn't yield, chances are you've found an apple with crunch.