farm

Hi Everyone,
This is from our friends at Cornell Cooperative Extension.  I hope you enjoy it.  You'll see a link to the whole story (including recipes) at the bottom.  Thank you. 
Tim Houseknecht

 October is National Farm to School Month!      

Apples are the second most consumed fruit in the U.S., only second to bananas, and according to the USDA, New York State is the 2nd largest apple producing state, right behind Washington. On average 29.5 million bushels of apples are produced annually by the 600 commercial apple growers in the state. In NYS alone, there are more than 31 varieties of apples commercially available, enough to highlight a new variety each day this month. 

Check out some of the most well-known varieties for flavor profiles and best uses here: www.applesfromny.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NYAA-Sweetness-Chart.pdf . NY is also home to the oldest apple breeding program in the US, which is located right here in the Finger Lakes and has released over 65 varieties since the 1890’s, including the Cortland, Macoun, Empire, and Jonagold apples. The Cornell Apple Breeding Program released two of these varieties, the popular Snapdragonâ and RubyFrostâ, in 2013 and earlier this year Cornell apple researchers at Cornell AgriTech released three new apple varieties: Cordera, Pink Luster, and Firecracker, which are projected to be the next favorites of apple lovers everywhere.

The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is an ode to their nutritional value and health benefits. One apple contains 20% of your recommended daily fiber needs, 8% of your daily vitamin C, and 7% of your daily potassium. Fiber helps to control blood sugar levels, makes you feel full for a longer period of time, and improves gut health. Vitamin C supports immune health and aids in building strong bones and teeth, while potassium makes for a healthy heart. 

You can see the whole story by clicking here.