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Apples come in a large number of varieties from around the world.

In India, most of the apples are grown in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal. The North Eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also grow some varieties on a much smaller scale.

They are a great source of dietary fibre. While apples are delicious enough to be eaten as they are, there are a variety of different ways to eat apples.

Use a sharp paring knife to halve the apple, scoop out the seeds and core, and then peel if required. A paring knife is just the right length to comfortably hold the apple in one hand and remove a thin layer of peel with the other. Apples oxidise on exposure to air and turn brown.

To avoid this, place chopped apples in an airtight container or toss in a little lemon juice.

5 ways to put apples to good use

Applesauce
Applesauce is more than just baby food. It is very easy to make applesauce in a small pressure cooker. You can make it unsweetened and add a flavour of choice such as cinnamon, cloves or rosemary. You can use applesauce as a butter/oil substitute in baking with really good results.

Apple and rosemary tea cake
Apple and rosemary is a match made in heaven. Something about the bold beautiful aroma of rosemary that matches the delicate flavours from apples. In a teacake, both these flavours come together to provide that perfect accompaniment with tea.

Apple chutney
The Brits combined their love for apples and Indian cuisine in this chutney. Apple chutney is best had with cheese, cold cuts or in a combination with pork dishes. It also pairs well with crackers. Using a paring knife, core and finely chop apples, add raisins, spices of choice, malt vinegar, sugar and simmer for 1-2 hours. Your apple chutney is ready to be bottled.

Apple in sandwiches
Thinly slice a green apple. Spread chunky peanut butter on two slices of sourdough bread, layer the apples, place slices of sharp cheddar, make the sandwich. Toast on a hot skillet with some butter until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. This is easily one of the best simple yet gourmet sandwiches you can sink your teeth into!

Apple Butter
Peeled, cored and chopped apples are baked with apple cider and brown sugar until soft and then pureed with ground cinnamon, lemon juice and ground cloves. This makes a most delicious condiment on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and even in a peanut butter sandwich.

Apple Raita
Instead of cucumber, try a peeled and cored apple grated into yogurt to make a raita. Add crushed walnuts and a sprinkle of salt and red chilli powder, along with rock salt.

Salads
Toss sliced apples with sliced pears, rocket leaves, candied walnuts. This combination of ingredients paired with an apple cider vinegar-mustard-honey dressing makes a most delicious salad. Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top to take it to another level.