EAT AN APPLE DAY
This Saturday, the third Saturday of September, is International Eat an Apple Day!
Apples have an important meaning in many cultures — from the belief they bring eternal youth in Norse mythology to the apple Eve bites into in the Bible. They come in thousands of different varieties and are one of the most common fruits in fruit bowls and lunch boxes around the world, and with good reason!
In Ayurveda apples are best eaten cooked for Vata types, as they can be quite drying, but Pitta types can enjoy sweet, cooling red apples and Kapha types can benefit from tarter green ones. Just remember to eat raw fruit alone, as it is hard to digest when combined with other foods. Apples can help to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar, and may also help protect against diabetes and heart problems.
To celebrate Eat an Apple Day, I’m sharing three Ayurvedic recipes with apple as their main ingredient, which will hopefully help you keep the doctor away.
IF YOUR DIGESTION NEEDS A BIT OF A RESET...
Stewed Apple With Star Anise and Cinnamon
Skip the coffee and start your day with stewed apples. This is one of the recipes in my cleanse + reset programme (subscribe here to receive it for free if you haven’t already!). I love it at any time of day for a light meal that’s easy to digest while being comforting and satisfying as well. I most often have stewed apples for breakfast — cooking fruit is understood as being better for digestion in Ayurveda, and makes this a perfect meal to ease you into the day.
IF YOU’VE GOT A FUNNY TUMMY...
Brown Apple
I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. If you have an upset tummy, including diarrhoea, there is nothing easier than this apple-based remedy — and it’s effective too. To prepare it, grate an apple, then leave it for 20 minutes to 1 hour to go brown. Eat it slowly, chewing well.
Get the recipe in East by West page 253.
IF YOU NEED TO KICKSTART YOUR DIGESTION...
Choona Spiced Apple Juice
This warm, spiced apple juice is absolutely perfect to start off your meal and get your digestion rolling, and makes a brilliant dinner party conversation starter served as an aperitif. I first had it at Vana Ayurvedic Retreat in Northern India, and it’s remained a firm favourite ever since.
Get the recipe in East by West page 215.
IF YOU’VE GOT A GLUT…
More Delicious Apple Recipes
Blackberry Apple Ginger Buckwheat Cake