Apples are a fruit that’s always at the supermarket and available in many varieties. Nutrition benefits of the apple abound, from high fibre content to antioxidants. But how do you know which apple suits the time of year? This April, Empire, Red Delicious or Idared are varieties that flourish, and continue to do so straight through until July. Check out www.onapples.com for further apple info.

Beyond eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away, and giving the apple as a token of appreciation for your teacher, what can you do with it? Plenty! Case in point – last week, two colleagues and I, in a quest to eat more fruit and veggies, organized Salad Week! We each took turns making a salad for the others that featured at least one seasonal fruit or veggie.

My salad recipe was originally from the Bikini Bootcamp cookbook, but I've tweaked it to specifically include a variety of seasonal apples, rather than only one type. With a delicious Moroccan flair, this salad screams Spring and is extremely healthy to boot!

Crunchy Chicken Salad with Raisins & Apples (Megan-style)

Makes 2 servings

3/4 cup raisins
2 5-to 6-oz chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
2 apples, peeled, cored and cubed (Get two different kinds - Empire, Red Delicious or Idared)
2 stalks celery, diced
4 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)

Dressing (Makes about 1 cup)

3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp curry powder
2 Tbsp honey

Place dressing ingredients in a small jar, add 1 tablespoon water, and shake vigorously.

Enjoy the surprising taste of Morocco and Ontario all in one!

by Megan Matthews