The sweet, juicy crunch of an apple evokes memories of lunch-box snacks and apple-pie-making. They are wonderful in both sweet and savoury dishes, adding a healthy and delicious touch to everyday and special-occasion dishes.

All good things come in pairs
First off, you should know the best flavours to pair with your apples. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg are obvious choices; but, if you’re feeling daring, try thyme or mint for a refreshing twist.

Any way you slice it
Chop, grate, purée, dice, julienne. Apples have sturdy flesh and are easy to cut any way you like. Always keep in mind how you want to use the fruit in your dish and let that dictate the way you slice through your apple. If you’re making a purée or adding it to a batter, grating will work the best. If you want to add it to your salad or on top of your bowl of muesli, slices will be better.

The ABCs: Apples, baking and cooking
Depending on the variety of apple you’re using, they can add a sweet or tart tang to your dishes. Here are our top picks for using apples to spice up some of your favourite recipes:

1. Fresh in salads or slaws
2. Sautéed over pancakes, waffles or porridge
3. In sweet-and-salty pork dishes
4. Grated into baked goods, such as cakes, breads and muffins
5. Stewed in classic apple crumble or pie
6. Cooked into jam
7. Added to a pitcher of iced water