Apple harvest is in full swing in the United States and the crop is expected to be much more than last year’s.

The latest US apple industry forecast estimates that this year’s total crop will be roughly 241 million bushels of apples. That is equivalent to about 113 apples per person and is 4 per cent larger than last year’s crop, according to a report in Commodity Online.

Fresh apples make a convenient, nutrient-rich, on-the-go snack. This versatile fruit can be chopped up and tossed into salads, stir-fry’s, casseroles, and of course be served as a sweet, after-dinner treat.

Apples are packed with soluble fiber and have high water content — both of which help keep you fuller, longer and may help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, fiber helps promote heart health, decrease your risk for developing cancer and aid in good digestion. Furthermore, apples are a significant source of boron in the diet; a mineral important for bone health.

Recent apple research out of Cornell University suggests that apples (especially the peel) contain powerful, naturally-occurring substances called phytochemicals that help inhibit breast cancer formation. Another recently published study from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell indicates that the regular consumption of apple juice helps keep our minds sharp and may even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.