There are over 7,500 varieties of apples around the world. Of these many are green. Apples all have their own unique tastes and textures. But one thing you can count on is that those green apples will be tart.
Why do green apples taste sour? The reason green apples are sour is that they contain a higher amount of malic acid than other apples.
Malic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in many fruits, but specifically apples. It’s sometimes called “apple acid.” With green apples, the malic acid combined with the citric acid outweighs the sugar content, making them more sour than red or yellow apples.
Why Are Green Apples Green?
Green apples are green because they retain the green-pigmented compound called chlorophyll. This is a naturally occurring substance in plants.
While all apples contain chlorophyll in their peels, it eventually dies off or is masked by other natural chemicals. The green apples maintain their chlorophyll causing them to stay green.
Temperature and sunlight can affect the different shades of green in apples.
Can You Make Green Apples Less Sour?
There are in fact several ways to make your green apples less sour.
The easiest way is to cut the apple and sprinkle some sugar over it. This will offset the tartness.
Another way is to spritz some limoncello juice on the sliced apple. The acid from the lemon will even out the acid from the apple.
Other ways include:
- adding the apple in with other fruit or fruit juice
- add some salt to the apple
- spread a topping on it (peanut butter works well)
- cook the apple
- buy apples from warmer climates (they’re not as sour)
Are Green Apples Good For You?
Yes. Green apples are just as good if not better for you than red apples. The two colors have similar ingredients and benefits.
But green apples are actually lower in sugar and carbohydrates. They also have slightly larger amounts of protein, fiber, potassium, and iron.
The big difference is that green apples have twice the amount of vitamin A than red apples. Vitamin A helps to support:
- eyesight
- bone health
- a strong immune system
- healthy skin
In addition to the intensified benefits green apples offer, apples in general help with
- healthy teeth
- memory
- diabetes
- high cholesterol levels
How Should You Store Green Apples?
The most important thing about green apples(any apples for that matter) is cold. It’s pretty to put your apples in a nice bowl on the table, but unless you’re going to eat them within 2-3 days, you should put them in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Before doing that, place them in a plastic bag with some holes and cover them with a moist paper towel.
Be sure to keep them away from other produce. Apples give off ethylene gas that can spoil them.
If you have an overabundance of apples that won’t fit in the fridge, store them in the cellar or garage. For extra protection, wrap them in some newspaper.
What Are Some Ways To Use Green Apples?
Due to their sour taste, some people don’t like to eat green apples raw or by themselves. If you’re one of them, don’t fret, because there are a ton of fun and delicious ways to consume some green apples.
1. Green Cinnamon Apples
Take the tart right out of those apples with this quick and tasty treat. Just peel and slice the apples, sprinkle with some sugar and cinnamon, and bake. It will taste like apple pie!
2. Green Apple Sorbet
If you’re looking for a cool and delicious dessert to serve at a get-together, this sorbet is it. The 3 ingredients of green apples, sugar, and lemon juice are easy to whip up. For the consenting adults of the group, add a shot of brandy for some extra flavor.
3. Green Apple Juice
This healthy juice is great after a workout or part of your morning routine. Just blend together some green apples, ginger, and kale. You can add in a few pinches of sugar if it’s still too tart.
4. Granny Smith Apple Sauce
Use some crisp, green, Granny Smiths to make homemade applesauce. It’s great for all ages. It’s less expensive than buying, and you control how much or how little sugar goes into it.
5. Green Apple Martini
Better known as the Appletini, these delicious adult beverages are made with vodka and zesty green apple juice.
6. Green Apple Pancakes
Next time you’re making pancakes, purée some green apples and put them in with the mix. It’s delicious and a good way to get kids to eat their apples.
7. Halloween Green Apple Monsters
These greenies are a great edible craft to do with kids during that spooky time of year. The best part is they’re no-bake, so it’s a great activity for teachers as well. You only need the apple slices, sliced strawberries, marshmallows, sunflower seeds, and apple or almond butter. You can always substitute based on any allergies.
8. Spice Green Apple Cider (in the green apple shell)
Honestly, what you choose to put in the cider is up to you. The real fun with this recipe is that you use green apple shells as a cup. Just slice the top off (you can use it again as a cover for your drink), dig out the apple’s flesh with a melon baller and fill it up. Of course, you can use the apple to make the actual cider too!
9. Green Apple Christmas Wreath
Turn your holiday table into a festive hit. Better yet, make your competitive cousin Mary green with envy when you show up with this delightful edible decoration. Slice up a bunch of green apples (cut into half-moon shapes), arrange like a wreath, add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and a piece of red string candy.
10. Green Apple Coleslaw
Jazz up your traditional slaw by adding green apple, cilantro, and almonds to the mix. The tartness of the green apple pairs well with the sweet cabbage.