How do I eat apples if I don't like them?

According to a 2015 study, children who ate whole apples had lower obesity rates compared to those who consumed fewer apples. If you want the health benefits but don't like the taste or texture, here is how you eat apples if you don't like them, with creative and delicious solutions that disguise the fruit entirely.

Quick Summary

This guide provides creative solutions for consuming apples, focusing on recipes that alter their texture and flavor. Explore options like blended smoothies, baked desserts, savory dishes, and dips to enjoy the nutritional benefits of apples, even if you dislike them raw.

Key Points

• Blend into Smoothies: Mask both texture and flavor by blending apples with stronger-tasting fruits, yogurt, or greens.

• Make Unsweetened Applesauce: Cook apples down into a smooth puree and use it as a substitute in baking or as a side dish.

• Bake and Roast Them: Cooking completely changes the apple's texture and brings out a caramelized sweetness that is far different from raw fruit.

• Mix into Savory Dishes: Incorporate chopped apples into salads, stuffings, or roasts to balance flavors without highlighting the apple itself.

• Pair with Dips and Cheese: Serve apple slices with strong-flavored dips like peanut butter, caramel, or sharp cheddar to shift the focus.

• Remember the Health Benefits: Focus on the nutritional value—fiber, vitamins, antioxidants—as a motivator for incorporating them into your diet.

Disguise the Flavor and Texture

For many who dislike apples, the issue is often the mealy texture or overly sweet taste. The key to successful consumption is to transform the apple's natural state into something unrecognizable and delicious.

Smoothies and Purees

One of the simplest ways to mask the taste of apples is to blend them into a creamy smoothie. A smoothie can hide the texture and overpower the flavor with other ingredients.

Apple Pie Smoothie

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Blend all ingredients until smooth. The frozen banana adds a creamy texture, and the spices mimic the flavor of a classic dessert, making the apple flavor almost undetectable. For an even creamier result, add a spoonful of almond butter. You can also create a savory smoothie by blending half a cored apple with a handful of spinach, a scoop of protein powder, and a dash of ginger.

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Making your own unsweetened applesauce is another great option. The cooking process softens the apples, and you can add other fruits or spices to enhance the flavor. Simply peel, core, and chop 3-4 apples. Place them in a saucepan with 1/4 cup of water, a pinch of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Simmer until the apples are soft, then mash or use an immersion blender for a completely smooth texture. This can be used in baking or as a side dish.

Bake and Roast for a Change

Cooking apples completely changes their texture and releases their natural sweetness. Baking can be a game-changer for those sensitive to the raw crunch.

Cinnamon Baked Apples This recipe caramelizes the apples and infuses them with warm spices. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Core and peel several apples. In a bowl, toss the apple chunks with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. These can be served over oatmeal or ice cream, or enjoyed on their own.

Savory Roasted Apples For a savory twist, pair roasted apples with root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Toss chunks of these vegetables with cored and cubed apples, olive oil, and rosemary. Roast until all are tender and caramelized. The sweetness of the apple balances the earthy flavors of the vegetables perfectly. A great accompaniment to pork or chicken.

Mix into Savory Dishes

Apples can add a subtle sweetness and complex flavor to many savory dishes. Think beyond dessert and explore new combinations.

Waldorf Salad Reinvented If you find the traditional Waldorf salad unappealing, try this modern take. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, walnuts, celery, and raisins. For the dressing, use a lighter mix of plain nonfat yogurt, a tablespoon of mayonnaise, and a little lemon zest and black pepper. The combination of textures and flavors is more balanced.

Apple and Fennel Salad This sophisticated salad combines thinly sliced apple, fennel, and endive. Toss with a light dressing of white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chopped pecans. The anise flavor of the fennel and the nutty crunch of the pecans complement the apple's sweetness without being overpowering.

Comparison of Preparation Methods

To help you decide which method to try first, consider this comparison table based on your specific dislikes.

Feature	Smoothies/Purees	Baked/Roasted	Savory Dishes
Texture	Completely smooth and creamy	Soft, tender, and caramelized	Blends in with other ingredients
Flavor Masking	Excellent, very little apple taste detectable	Good, flavor transforms during cooking	Blends with savory ingredients
Preparation Effort	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium to high
Best For	Those who dislike texture and strong flavor	Those who dislike raw crunch and firmness	Those who enjoy complex flavor combinations
Nutrient Retention	Maintains some nutrients but processing can reduce some fiber	High, especially with skin on	High, as part of a balanced meal

Consider the Health Benefits

Remembering the nutritional benefits can be a powerful motivator. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support heart health and digestion. Incorporating them into your diet, even in disguised forms, is a simple way to boost your overall wellness. While drinking juice sacrifices fiber, using pureed, cooked, or baked whole apples retains these crucial components.

A Final Word on Mindset

Sometimes, the dislike is psychological. One fun way to eat apples is to try a simple, no-pressure approach. For example, slice the apple and serve it with a favorite, flavorful dip like peanut butter, caramel, or sharp cheddar cheese. The mind-trick of focusing on the dip, combined with the smaller, more manageable slices, can help shift your perception. Experimenting with different apple varieties, such as a crisp Honeycrisp versus a softer Red Delicious, can also make a significant difference in your enjoyment. By being creative, you can enjoy all the benefits of this healthy fruit without the cringing. For more ideas on fruit-based wellness, explore reliable nutrition sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website.

Conclusion

Eating apples doesn't have to be a chore if you find the raw fruit unappealing. By embracing alternative preparations like smoothies, sauces, and cooked recipes, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits in a way that suits your palate. Whether you blend them, bake them, or hide them in savory dishes, there are countless delicious ways to incorporate apples into your diet. The key is experimentation—start with the method that sounds most appealing and adapt it to your taste buds.

Lists

Smoothie Pairings to Mask Apple Flavor

• Tropical Blend: Apple, mango, spinach, coconut water.
• Berry Blast: Apple, mixed berries, Greek yogurt, almond milk.
• Green Detox: Apple, kale, cucumber, ginger, lemon.
• Creamy Dream: Apple, banana, peanut butter, chia seeds.

Cooked Apple Ideas

• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Stir cooked apple cubes into morning oatmeal.
• Apple and Pork Chops: Sear pork chops and finish cooking them with sautéed cinnamon apples.
• Stuffed Squash: Combine cubed apples with butternut squash, sage, and pecans for a delicious stuffing.
• Apple Chips: Dehydrate thin apple slices with cinnamon for a crispy, sweet snack.

Savory Apple Combinations

• Apple and Cheese Board: Pair thin apple slices with sharp cheddar or brie.
• Apple and Ham Sandwich: Add thinly sliced apple to a ham and cheese sandwich for a sweet and salty crunch.
• Roasted Chicken with Apples and Onions: Roast a chicken alongside chunks of apple and onion for a flavorful meal.

Optional Outbound Link

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - The Nutrition Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't stand the texture of raw apples?

If the texture is the main issue, try cooking them. Roasting, baking, or simmering apples for a sauce or puree completely changes their consistency, making them soft and smooth instead of crunchy and mealy.

Can I hide apples in other foods to avoid the taste?

Yes, absolutely. Apples are excellent for hiding in blended smoothies with other strong-flavored ingredients like banana, peanut butter, or spinach. You can also grate them into muffin batter or meatloaf to add moisture without a noticeable taste.

Which recipes best disguise the apple flavor?

Smoothie recipes and baked desserts with lots of cinnamon and other spices are best for disguising apple flavor. Using applesauce as a fat replacement in baked goods is another great trick.

What's an easy, low-effort way to try eating apples differently?

The easiest method is to slice an apple and dip it in a spread you already enjoy, like peanut butter, almond butter, or a flavorful yogurt. This changes the overall sensory experience with very little effort.

Are there different apple varieties that might taste better?

Yes, apple varieties differ significantly in texture and sweetness. Try a very crisp and sweet variety like Honeycrisp if you dislike mealy textures, or a tarter Granny Smith if you prefer less sweetness.

Is applesauce less healthy than a whole apple?

While store-bought applesauce can contain added sugars, homemade, unsweetened applesauce is a healthy option. Eating the whole fruit is generally preferred because it retains all the dietary fiber, but pureeing and cooking the apple does not remove all its health benefits.

Can apples be part of savory dishes?

Yes, apples can be excellent in savory meals. Add thinly sliced apples to a ham and cheese sandwich, or roast chunks with rosemary alongside chicken and other root vegetables. They add a touch of sweetness that complements savory flavors.