Did you know there are 7,500 varities of apples? I did just learn from my coworker that bump bottom apples are good for eating while smooth ones are better for baking.

If you follow the Lunch It Punch It accounts on Twitter and Facebook, you’ve learned I love apples and I LOVE apple crisp! But if you’re new to apple eating world, here’s some tips to help you pick some winners.

It is recommended that you use all your senses when picking produce, when choosing apples, pick bright, richly colored ones that feel firm while avoiding those with bruises, soft spots and holes. Smell your potential picks, although apples stored in a cooler climate may not produce a scent. Once you get home, store your apples in the crisper drawer because when kept at room temperature, apples lose moisture and turn soft. You can always bring the apple to room temperature just before indulging.

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away…. a study from the New York Fruit Quarterly found the apples have the second highest level of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants prevent cell and tissue damage, which helps lower the risk of heart disease. While I may have never concerned myself with the number of apple varieties I have wondered why we want a diet that is rich in antioxidants other than it sounds good, so now I know!

We all know fiber is good for us for a certain uh maintenance reason, but since apples contain soluble fibers, which swell and form a gel-like mass that traps sugars and starches, slowly releasing them into the bloodstream they help keep blood sugars from spiking keeping you fuller longer. I’ve heard some recommend eating an apple before you start lunch as a way to full up and then not load up at lunch.

BEST FOR EATING
Ambrosia, Braeburn, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Red Delicious.

BEST FOR PIES
Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Spartan, Pippin

BEST FOR APPLESAUCE
Crispin, Mclntosh, Northern Spy

BEST FOR COOKING AND BAKING
Northern Spy, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp and Rome Beauty

BEST FOR SALADS
Cortland, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Empire, and Gala