I.Introduction

Apples

Apples belong to the family of the roses. It is believed that apple trees have originated somewhere between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, a very long time ago. There are different varieties of apples, whose sizes range from very small to large. It would be interesting to know that it takes the apple tree about 50 leaves, to generate energy enough to make one apple. Fresh apples contain 25% air in their total volume. This is the reason they float in water. West Virginia, Washington, New York and Rhode Island have the apple fruit as their official state fruit. Most of the apple production is used for eating fresh fruits, whereas the rest goes in to the making of apple products that include canned, frozen, dried and processed items. All of us are aware of the quotes that mean, an apple a day can keep your doctor at bay. This is in fact true, as new research has proven the benefits of these bright red juicy fruits.

II. Background

Past Popularity

Apples have been around since the past 4000 years. These trees were a cultivated crop from a long time ago. Special varieties were cultivated and spread across the world, specifically Europe. In the UK, when repeated droughts and plague of the thirteenth century affected the country, eating apples, also called pippin varieties were considered the best fruits and planted in a large scale. UK also happens to be the only place where apples are specially cultivated for cooking.

Apples take around 10 days to ripen fully. However, extended storage is possible under controlled temperatures. Regulating the storage temperature delays ripening of the fresh apples and also keeps them from shriveling. There will also be no loss of nutrients. Apples have grown over the ages, improving with each cultivated cycle. As there are many varieties now, an apple seed does not grow into the same variety as its parent tree. It grows into the tree, whose pollen was used to make the seed. In recent times, apple breeders have demonstrated innovations in the way apples are cultivated and preserved. There exist standards as to what an apple’s size, shape and color should be and importantly freedom from blemishes on its skin.

The smell of apples is a resultant of the presence of essential oils, aldehydes, esters and alcohols. Their distinct color is caused by a delicate combination of chemicals like anthocyanin, carotenoids and chlorophyll.

III. Health Benefits

Eat apples for health

Apple peels contain the flavonoid called quercetin, which is also found in red wine and onions. This flavonoid helps prevent heart disease by reducing the occurrence of inflammation in the blood vessels. It can prevent damage to the body that occurs from cigarette smoke and pollutants in the air. Raw Apples eaten directly with peel provides Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Beta-carotene, which contributes to the fruit’s colour, is also provided to the body. Oranges and lemons also contain these compounds. Research reveals that the more apples one eats per week (more than 5), the better is their lung function. But, it is noteworthy that a healthy lifestyle and apples equally contribute to a healthy body. It is possible that more apples can actually lower the risk for asthma. The high composition of antioxidants in apples improves memory and prevents conditions that arise from brain degeneration. So, how many calories are in an apple? Let’s explore that.

IV.Calories

How many Calories in an Apple         

Apples can be eaten raw, made into juices and cider. If the juice of apple is allowed to ferment, it produces cider. Specific cider apples are grown to make cider. The fruit is also used to prepare apple jam or used for cooking to make sweet dishes.

An apple’s core and skin contains dietary fiber. Carbohydrates make up to 10% of an apple’s composition and several vitamins and minerals make up to 4%. The rest of the fruit is made of water, as there is more than eighty percent water in apples.

Apple Calories

• There are about 40 calories in apples (an eating apple) of small size.
• A medium sized apple along with its skin contains 65 calories.
• A large one contains 95 calories.
• Fresh apples weighing 1 kg offers around 500 kilo calories energy.
• Removing the core and peels does not reduce the sugar consumed.
• However, it does reduce the availability of vitamin C by half.
• Green apple calories are 52 with skin and 48 without skin.

Apples contain 13 grams sugar, 3 grams dietary fiber, 17 grams total carbohydrates and 1 mg Sodium. Apples do not contain fat and cholesterol.

V.  Additional Information

Calories in apple dishes

Here is some information on how many calories are there in several apple based dishes.

• Calories in apple pie: An apple pie contains nearly 400 calories.
• An apple crumb has 340 calories.
• Apple cake has about 295 calories.
• Apple pie with Vanilla ice cream – 590 calories.
• Apple Crisp – 190.
• Apple cranberry peach crisp – 124.
• Apple raisin salad – 190 calories.
• Apple juice calories – 119.