fruit

Your Ultimate Apple Guide: Which Are Best For Eating Vs. Baking

It’s that time of year again! Autumn is upon us, and along with crisp weather and fall foliage comes everyone’s favorite fruit: apples. Whether it’s bobbing for them, baking them in a pie, making apple sauce, apple juice or eating them as-is, apples are delicious and we do not discriminate.

However, some apples are better baked, and others are better eaten raw. So how do you know how to make the most out of your apple experience? Well here’s the lowdown.

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So why are some apples better for eating and other better for baking?

Best To Use For Baking

1. Gala

Gals’s are great for baking, particularly for baking apple pie because they hold up well when cooked.

2. Golden Delicious

Known as the yellow apple with a sweet flavor and thin skin, these are best used in in pie, applesauce or for stewing.

3. Jonagold

Crisp yet tart. A go-to for baking because these apples won’t overload your pie with sweetness.

Best When Eaten Raw

1. Red Delicious

Not the most exciting apple, but the Red Delicious is the most classic looking apple. It’s sweet without being overbearing, making it a great snack.

2. Pink Lady

Pink Lady is a hybrid apple. Part Golden Delicious mixed with Lady Williams. Not too tart but not too sweet either. Making it a great option for raw eating because of its extra-crunchy texture.

3. Fuji

Fuji apples are sweeter and crispier than other apples! No need to bake these!

Best To Eat Raw & Use For Baking

And of course some apples are so delicious they can be equally as good baked or eaten raw!

1. Cortland

Copland apple are not the most popular apple on the tree. However, they should not be over looked. They are a bit sour, yet juicy. Making them a great option for both baking, stewing and eating them raw, depending on your tastebuds!

2. Granny Smith

The tartness of a Granny Smith makes them an excellent baking candidate. Fun fact: they hold their shape when cooked because of their slightly dry texture and tough skin. You can also enjoy these apples raw.

3. Honeycrisp

Everyone’s favorite apple (maybe I’m biased)! The perfect mix of crispy and sweet, enjoy them baked or raw.

4. Jonathan

A Jonathan’s tartness makes them great for baking, and their crispiness makes them great for eating. A win, win.

5. Mclntosh

This is the go-to apple for pie-baking. They are sweet and juicy, and can be had raw, stewed as applesauce or baked.

So there you have it. Now you are an apple expert!

via GIPHY

[h/t: The Kitchn & ALL YOU]

Meet The Cucamelon—AKA The Cutest Fruit On The Planet

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One of the perks of the internet is the access it provides to all things adorable. Like this super cuddly new dog breed. Or this cat who scaled a wall to be with its puppy friend.

But we’re not sure we’ve seen anything as cute as the cucamelon in quite awhile.

What is a cucamelon, you ask? So glad you did. Cucamelons are tiny, vine-growing fruits that are about the size of a grape and taste like cucumbers with a hint of citrusy sour. The cutest part, of course, is that they look like tiny watermelons. Or maybe it’s the fact that another nickname for them is mouse melon. That’s right. Cuteness overload.

Here’s a shot of the cucamelon adorably growing on the vine:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhvOKUfj3gJ/?tagged=cucamelon

Of course, cucamelon makes a great ingredient in fresh spring and summer recipes. This cucamelon salsa is a perfect warm-weather appetizer. Get the recipe from Dine & Dash.

Dine & Dash

Cucamelons also pair well, when pickled, with dill and mint. Or dice them up for a tasty bruschetta topping using this recipe from She Eats.

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She Eats

The fruit, also known as a Mexican sour gherkin, is native to Mexico and parts of Central America, where they are called sandiita (little watermelon). You can find them at farmers’ markets, in select grocery stores or try growing your own.

You can buy cucamelon seeds from several different sellers on Amazon for just a few dollars per packet.

Amazon

Definitely makes you want to try one, right? Please do, and prepare to taste the cuteness.

[h/t: Huffington Post]

5 Breakfast Smoothies To Start Each Day Off Right

We’ve all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While it may be true, it’s hard to find the time to make a nutrient-rich breakfast.

This is where smoothies come in. By throwing some fruits and vegetables in a blender, you can have a breakfast that has all the healthy nutrients your body needs.   Plus, they taste really, really good.

The Domestic Geek provides five great recipes so you can have some variety throughout the week.