Red Prince Apples

There is a new apple in Ontario, and has been given the big name "Red Prince". Sweet and tangy, this princely new apple actually originated as a natural passage. 

What happens when you get a natural apple crossing between a Jonathan and a Golden Delicious? Back in 1994 in Wert, a small town on the German / Holland border, orchard owners sometimes named this lovely, red-hued surprise Red Prince. Fast forward to 2001, when Irma and Marius Borden, the shareholders of Global Fruit decided to plant their first Red Prince apple trees in Thornburg, Ontario. Earlier this year, the apple gallant introduced to consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. On a day were more than 10,000 distributed to inquisitive passers. This food writer got a picture perfect apple in a small red velvet cushion with all the pomp and circumstance of a royal order authorized gift.

Red Prince - Ontario's New Apple Variety

Alongside Apple, there were also a couple of tough, flavourful Red Prince Energy bars to sample the perfect post-gym work out snack or hiking pick-you-up. The recipe for energy bars below. They are high in fiber, loaded with protein, and when you hold the skin of the apple when you make these bars, you get a load of anti-oxidants in every bite. Move over Macs, there is a new prince in town! 

Note: These apples are wonderful, juicy, crisp eating apples, ideal in salads, baking and for couples with sharp cheese on your cheese board. 

Royal Energy Bars Recipe, courtesy of Red Prince Apples 

Serving: Makes 16 pieces.

Ingredients: 

    * 3 big red Prince apples, cored skin on and chopped into ¼ inch (5 mm) cubes 

    * ¾ cup Rolled oats 

    * ¾ cup flaked sweetened coconut 

    * ¾ cup Sunflower 

    * ¾ cup pumpkin seeds 

    * ¾ cup puffed rice or flaked grains 

    * 1 cup Medjool dates (about 15) 

    * ½ cup Sunflower butter 

Method:

   1st Preheat oven to 275 ° F (140 ° C). 

   2nd Spread apples on parchment lined baking sheet (or use food Dehydrator and follow manufacturer's instructions). Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the apples have reached the consistency of raisins. Let cool. 

   3rd In large bowl combine oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and grains. Set aside. 

   4th Remove seeds from dates and chop into small pieces. Add dates and sunflower oatmeal mixture of butter and work thoroughly with hands until well combined and mixture holds its shape when squeezed. Mix the dried apples. 

   5th Line an 8 X 11 inches (20 cm X 28 cm) baking dish with parchment paper and aluminum foil and fill with apple mixture, pressing to compact solid. 

   6th Store in refrigerator for 1 hour, remove from baking dish and cut into 16 pieces. Wrap each piece with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in freezer up to 2 months. 

Recipe Comments: This is a nut free recipe, but can also be made of various chopped nuts if desired. Almond, cashew or peanut butter can also be substituted for sunflower butter. For a variation try adding two tablespoons (30 ml) of candied, ginger, cinnamon and orange peel. Share Three fourth of a cup (175 ml) by dark chocolate chips can replace one ingredient of all measure. Up to 1 / 3 cup (about 75 ml) of sesame, flax or hemp seeds can also be added for extra crunch and essential fatty acids.