As temperatures continue to stay low and South Africans spend more time cooking at home, there's a renewed appreciation for seasonal ingredients that bring both comfort and nourishment to the table. This time of year is traditionally associated with hearty soups, slow-cooked meals and home baking, however, one ingredient is quietly enjoying its moment in the spotlight: the humble apple.
For Stellenbosch-based life coach Nicola Pretorius, the colder seasons encourage us to slow down and rediscover the simple rituals that nourish both body and mind. One of the most meaningful of these is preparing and sharing wholesome, seasonal food.
"We often see the colder seasons as a time to just ‘get through’ but I believe it's an invitation to slow down," says Pretorius. "Rituals have a wonderful way of grounding us. Whether it's a pot of soup simmering on the stove, baking an apple crumble or gathering everyone around the table, these simple moments help us reconnect, find comfort in the season and appreciate the joy of slowing down."
It's a sentiment that's finding favour as more people embrace seasonal living and seek comfort in simple pleasures. With locally grown and harvested Pink Lady® apples now on the shelves, the country's favourite sweet-tart apple is now at its freshest and most flavourful. While many of us still think of apples as something to grab on the go or pop into a lunchbox, they're one of winter's most versatile ingredients, adding sweetness, texture and freshness to both sweet and savoury dishes.
"Most people think apples belong in desserts but they're just as good in savoury dishes," says Liza Matthews, Marketing Manager, at Pink Lady® South Africa. "Their natural sweetness balances rich winter flavours beautifully, which is why they're such a versatile ingredient. Whether you're adding slices to a butternut soup, making a homemade chutney or baking a classic crumble, apples bring freshness, texture and flavour to so many favourites."
From breakfast through to dessert, Pink Lady® apples earn their place in the kitchen. Their crisp texture and juicy bite make them perfect for snacking, while their ability to hold their shape during cooking means they shine in everything from warming crumbles and tarts to soups, salads and chutneys.
Apples have long been paired with pork but they also add depth to roasted vegetables, bring natural sweetness to butternut, sweet potato and pumpkin soups and provide a welcome crunch in winter salads and slaws. For those keen to venture beyond the classics, Pink Lady® apples also shine in unexpected combinations - folded into a cheddar, apple and walnut loaf, baked with honey mustard chicken, layered on a blue cheese, prosciutto and caramelised apple pizza, tucked between pancakes with honey and goat's cheese, or transformed into homemade chutneys to accompany roast duck or a cheeseboard. Their sweet-tart flavour also brings wonderful balance to dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.
The core benefits
Beyond their versatility, apples also deliver impressive nutritional benefits. Pink Lady® apples are a natural source of energy and Vitamin C, with one apple providing around a quarter of your daily Vitamin C requirement. Nearly half of this Vitamin C is found just beneath the skin, making it even more beneficial to enjoy apples unpeeled. They are also a source of boron, which supports healthy bones, and pectin, which aids healthy digestion.
Eating seasonally is one of the simplest ways to enjoy produce at its very best, and at this time of year, apples truly come into their own. Freshly harvested, locally grown Pink Lady® apples are crisp, juicy and full of flavour, making them an easy addition to everyday meals, whether you're baking for family, preparing a nourishing dinner or simply looking for a wholesome afternoon snack.
So, think beyond the fruit bowl. Add sliced apples to a warming soup, toss them through a salad, bake them into a comforting dessert or simply enjoy one as nature intended. However you choose to enjoy them, Pink Lady® apples prove that one of this season’s simplest ingredients can also be one of its most versatile - and perhaps one of the season's most comforting rituals.
For more recipe inspiration and delicious ways to make the most of seasonal Pink Lady® apples, visit www.pinklady.co.za , subscribe to their newsletter and follow them on instagram @pink_lady_apples_sa and facebook @pinkladyapplessa.
