{"id":6903,"date":"2013-10-04T10:47:49","date_gmt":"2013-10-04T14:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=6903"},"modified":"2013-10-04T11:14:40","modified_gmt":"2013-10-04T15:14:40","slug":"6903","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2013\/10\/04\/6903\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn is in the Air: Now is a Great Time to Enjoy Maryland Apples"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Steve<\/a><\/p>\n

ANNAPOLIS, MD <\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Maryland apple season is in full swing. Now is the perfect time of year for residents to take a trip to an orchard to try all of the delicious apple varieties our state has to offer, or to visit a local farm market and savor fresh cider, pies, and other treats.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only are apples a tasty treat, but they are also nutritious and grown right here in Maryland,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. \u201cThis year\u2019s crop is in great condition. When you buy local products, you support your local economy and Maryland\u2019s family farmers. And don\u2019t forget, apples are great for school lunches and snacks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nFresh Maryland apples can also be found in many grocery stores throughout the state.\u00a0 If your local grocery store does not carry Maryland apples, be sure to ask a produce manager for them. For a fun, family activity, visit a pick-your-own orchard and spend the afternoon gathering apples to make your favorite dishes.<\/p>\n

\nConsumers of all ages can benefit from an apple a day. Apples are full of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, phosphorus, thiamin and magnesium. Apples do not contain fat, sodium or cholesterol and with only 80 calories per apple, they fit in perfectly with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for selecting the best apples:<\/p>\n