10 creative ideas to add apples to your everyday life

The apple is one of the most versatile and complete fruits around: rich in fiber, low in calories, hydrating, and full of antioxidants. It also keeps well, is easy to carry, and pairs with a wide variety of foods, both sweet and savory. If you want to add a creative touch to your diet, here are 10 original and easy ideas to enjoy apples throughout the day.

Energizing breakfast with yogurt and grated apple

Start your day with a bowl of natural yogurt, oats, and grated apple. It provides fiber, protein, and sustained energy to power your morning.

Toast with almond butter and apple slices

A healthy alternative to traditional toast: spread nut butter on whole-grain bread and add thin apple slices. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fresh salad with contrasts

Apples add a crisp, refreshing touch to any salad. Combine them with spinach, fresh or blue cheese, walnuts, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil.

Grab-and-go snack: baked apple chips

Slice apples very thinly, bake them at a low temperature until crisp, and you’ll have a healthy, additive-free snack.

Revitalizing natural smoothie

Blend apple, celery, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing green juice—ideal for hydration and gentle detox.

Baked apple with cinnamon and nuts

A light, nutritious classic: bake an apple with a little cinnamon, honey, and almonds or walnuts. Perfect as a dessert or a cozy afternoon snack.

Apple in savory dishes

Surprise your palate by adding diced apple to white-meat dishes like chicken or turkey, or to a vegetable curry. It brings sweetness and freshness to the plate.

Creative sandwich with apple and cheese

Make a sandwich with whole-grain bread, thin apple slices, and cheddar or Manchego cheese. An irresistible sweet-savory combo.

Homemade sauces and chutneys

Apples are an ideal base for chutney or sweet sauces to accompany meats, fish, or cheeses—a different way to impress at the table.

Quick dessert: apple and dark chocolate skewers

Alternate apple cubes with pieces of dark chocolate on a skewer. A sweet, antioxidant-rich option that’s easy to prepare for kids and adults alike.

A small fruit with big benefits

Bringing apples into your daily routine not only adds variety and flavor, it also supports your well-being. Rich in soluble fiber, they aid digestion, help regulate cholesterol, and promote satiety. Thanks to their high water and vitamin content, they’re ideal for hydrating and naturally strengthening your defenses.

With these 10 ideas, the apple stops being just a grab-and-go fruit and becomes the star of your everyday kitchen.

Granny Smith: The perfect acidity for salty and refreshing dishes

Granny Smith apple is one of the most recognized varieties worldwide, known for its intense green color and its characteristic flavor, fresh and acid. This unique personality makes it the ideal candidate for salty dishes, surprising combinations and refreshing drinks.

Granny Smith stands out for:

  • Sour and refreshing taste, which provides a vibrant contrast in salty dishes.
  • A firm and crispy pulp that maintains its texture even after being cooked.
  • Fresh and intense aromas that evoke herbaceous and citrus notes.

These characteristics make it especially versatile in the kitchen and very appreciated by consumers looking for a different taste experience.

Gastronomic ideas with Granny Smith

Its natural acidity opens up a range of culinary possibilities:

  • Meat sauces: Granny Smith is perfect for making reductions and bittersweet sauces that pair with duck, pork or chicken.
  • Salads with blue cheese: the contrast between the creaminess of the cheese and the fresh acidity of the apple creates an irresistible combination.
  • Ceviches and seafood dishes: it brings freshness and balance to dishes with raw fish, enhancing citrus flavors.
  • Drinks with acid touches: in cocktails, Granny Smith can be used to give an innovative, fresh and sophisticated touch to any special occasion.

With its characteristic acidity and versatility, Granny Smith is not only a delicious and healthy option for direct consumption, but also becomes a gastronomic ally capable of elevating salty dishes, creative recipes and innovative drinks.

Apart from Granny Smith, Giropoma also produces, Golden, Red Delicious and Gala, all recognized within the  IGP Poma de Girona. And also Fuji and club varieties such as Cripps Pink, marketed as Pink Lady®, Regalyou, as Candine® and Cripps Red, as Joya.

Perfect ripeness: when is the best time to harvest our apples?

Harvesting an apple at just the right moment is key to ensuring it reaches the consumer with the best taste, texture, and color. The optimal point is when the fruit has a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, firmness, and color.

  • Sugar level: determines the sweetness of the fruit
  • Acidity: balances the sugars and defines the final tasteç
  • Firmness: indicates the hardness of the flesh
  • Color: each variety has color parameters that indicate when to harvest

At Giropoma, we use very precise technical criteria to decide when to harvest each variety. The aim is to ensure that each apple has the size, taste, and appearance that provide the most value to the consumer.

Each variety has its own calendar

Not all apples ripen at the same rate. Varieties such as Gala reach their peak earlier, while others, such as Pink Lady® or Joya®, need more time on the tree to achieve their optimal taste and appearance. That is why the harvest calendar is flexible and adapted to each season. The goal is always the same: to harvest the apple at the exact moment when it expresses the best of its taste and appearance.

  • Gala: during the month of August, it is one of the first varieties to be harvested.
  • Golden: in mid-September, when it achieves its characteristic sweetness and greenish-yellow color.
  • Red Delicious: in September, when it reaches its intense red color.
  • Candine®: a late September variety, with a very fine balance between sweetness and freshness.
  • Granny Smith: in October, harvested at just the right point of refreshing acidity.
  • Fuji: also in October, with the perfect balance between sweetness and firmness.
  • Pink Lady®: one of the last to be harvested, in late October and November, when it achieves its characteristic pink color and intense flavor.
  • Joya®: harvested between November and December, it is the last of the season and stands out for its crunchy texture and intense flavor.

At Giropoma, we carefully select each apple, respecting its natural ripening time so that it reaches the market in peak condition.

The Gala: the ideal choice for families

At Giropoma, we work every day to offer apples of the highest quality, taking care of every detail of the production process and bringing varieties to market that meet the needs of consumers. Among them, the Gala apple stands out as a favorite of many families, especially for its sweetness and crunchy texture, which make it the perfect choice for young and old alike.

The Gala is an apple known for its sweet taste with a hint of tartness and juicy, crunchy flesh that makes it very appealing to children. Its red color on a creamy yellow background also makes it a visually appealing and easily recognizable fruit.

Gala apples in family cooking

The versatility of Gala apples makes them ideal for everyday family meals:

– Healthy snacks: sliced apples with a dash of lemon juice, combined with soft cheese or a handful of nuts.
– Children’s dishes: fresh salads with apple pieces; or mini fruit skewers with apple, grapes, and strawberries.
– School snacks and meals: soft muffins with apple pieces; or quick microwave compote with a little cinnamon.
– Refreshing drinks: taking advantage of its natural sweetness, Gala apples are perfect for making smoothies with milk or plant-based drinks and mixing with banana or red berries, without the need to add sugar.

It is one of the most widely produced varieties, thanks to its popularity among families. It is harvested at the end of summer, and our region offers optimal climatic conditions that guarantee quality and flavor.

In addition to Gala, Giropoma also produces Fuji, Golden, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith apples, all recognized under the Girona Apple PGI. It also produces club varieties such as Cripps Pink, marketed as Pink Lady®, Regalyou, as Candine®, and Cripps Red, as Joya®.

The Golden: the star of homemade desserts

If there is one apple that has won the hearts of our home cooks, it is the Golden apple. Its natural sweetness, greenish-yellow color with a slight golden hue and its crunchy and juicy texture make it one of the most versatile and beloved varieties, especially when it comes to traditional desserts.

In the home kitchen, the Golden has played a leading role for decades. It is ideal for preparing cakes, compotes or baked apples, but it also adapts to savory recipes and seasonal dishes.

Recipes that never go out of style

A good apple pie made with Golden retains its sweet taste without adding too much sugar. In addition, it keeps its shape and caramelizes smoothly, providing an irresistible texture. In the case of applesauce, the pulp melts easily and offers a natural mellowness that is perfect with yogurts, fresh cheeses or meat dishes. And if we talk about baked apples, with a little honey, cinnamon and nuts it becomes a healthy and very tasty dessert.

The Golden apple in Catalan cuisine

Although it is often associated with confectionery, the Golden apple also has a lot to say in traditional Catalan cuisine. It is ideal for reinterpreting classic dishes and giving them a fresh and natural touch:

Duck with apple, usually made with more acidic varieties, gains a mellower and softer point with Golden.
– The carving of the Cerdanya with sautéed apple brings contrast and a texture that balances the whole.
– And even the “coca de recaudo”, if we add thin slices of Golden, gains a new dimension between sweet and salty.

A variety with character

Giropoma is grown under the quality standards of the IGP Manzana de Girona, a fact that guarantees not only its origin and freshness, but also the commitment to sustainable production, respectful of the land and the consumer.

Its organoleptic qualities are clear: a sweet and balanced taste with a slightly acid touch, a white and consistent pulp, and very aromatic.
In addition to Golden, the apple producer and marketer also produces Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, all recognized within the Manzana de Girona PGI. And also club varieties such as Cripps Pink, marketed as Pink Lady®, Regalyou, as Candine® and Cripps Red, as Joya®.

Fuji, the queen of healthy snacks, salads and sauces

The Fuji apple has established itself as one of the most versatile and valued varieties on the market. Its sweet and intense flavor, combined with a juicy and crunchy texture, make it the ideal choice for both fresh consumption and cooking.

A natural and nutritious snack

It is perfect as a snack between meals. It is rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, essential nutrients to maintain a strong immune system and promote digestion. In addition, it provides energy in a natural way.

Ideal for balanced salads

Thanks to its consistent texture and balanced taste, Fuji maintains its structure without oxidizing easily. Its sweet and mild flavor perfectly balances ingredients such as vegetables, nuts or cheeses. It provides a refreshing contrast and a touch of sweetness that enriches any salad, whether cold or warm.

An excellent base for healthy sauces

Fuji’s natural sweetness allows the preparation of sauces and compotes without added sugar. It is an ideal variety for meat sauces, chutneys and purees, as it cooks easily and retains its characteristic aroma.

At Giropoma we select and care for each apple from the tree to the table. Our production model, based on sustainable agricultural practices and harvesting at the optimal moment of ripening, guarantees tasty fruit of the highest quality.

In addition to Fuji, Giropoma also produces other varieties such as Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, which are under the umbrella of the PGI Manzana de Girona, and the club varieties, Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand, Regalyou marketed under the Candine® brand and Cripps Red marketed under the Joya® brand.

Spring lunches and snacks with Joya®: creative, nutrient-packed ideas

Spring invites us to renew habits, colors and flavors. It is the ideal time to add a fresh and healthy touch to everyday lunches and snacks, and the Joya® apple is the best ally to do so. With its intense, sweet yet tart taste and firm, crunchy texture, this variety is the perfect protagonist for creative recipes full of vitality.

La Joya® is a late apple that stands out for its bright red coloration on a yellowish-green background, compact flesh and refreshing taste that makes it ideal both for eating alone and for combining in sweet or savory dishes. It is a fruit that keeps very well, maintains its texture for weeks and presents a perfect balance between sugar and acidity, making it very versatile in the kitchen. It is also rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, and provides a feeling of satiety ideal for mid-morning or healthy snacks.

Spring recipes with Joya®

Joya® is not only a healthy food, but also a versatile culinary tool to give life to fresh, simple and very nutritious dishes. If you want to incorporate it into your daily routine in an original way, here are some easy and tasty ideas:

– Greek yogurt with caramelized Joya® and walnuts
Sauté apple chunks with a little cinnamon and honey. Add on top of plain Greek yogurt and top with chopped walnuts.

– Toast with fresh cheese, Joya® and mint
Spread a slice of whole wheat bread with fresh cheese, add thin slices of apple and fresh mint leaves.

– Joya® and peanut butter crunchy snack
Cut apple into thin slices and spread with peanut butter. Add chia seeds or dark chocolate chips for an extra kick.

– Spring Salad with Joya®, Spinach and Goat Cheese
Mix fresh spinach, apple chunks, walnuts and crumbled goat cheese. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar.

In addition to Joya®, Giropoma also produces other varieties such as Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, which are under the umbrella of the Poma de Girona PGI, Fuji and the club varieties, Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand and Regalyou marketed under the Candine® brand.

Candine, a refreshing and balanced taste

Candine® is a red apple with areas of yellowish-green coloration characterized by a slightly flattened shape, a smooth and shiny skin, with a crisp and juicy texture. Its balance between sweetness and freshness, with a lingering aroma and subtle flavors reminiscent of exotic fruits, invites everyone to eat it again.

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It is known for its organoleptic qualities, which makes it an attractive option among consumers. It has a high sweetness that mixed with a moderate acidity creates a refreshing and balanced flavor. It is an apple that goes perfectly with savory ingredients and for various culinary recipes such as pork loin with apples and honey, pork roast, apple crispies with pipe or stuffed croissants.

Its optimum harvest time is at the end of September and beginning of October, when it reaches maturity, and it is marketed until July, since it is a variety that keeps very well.

In addition to Candine®, the apple trading company also produces other varieties such as Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, which are under the umbrella of the Manzana de Girona PGI, Fuji and the club varieties, Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand and Cripps Red marketed under the Joya® brand.

Pink Lady in the creative kitchen: sweet and savory contrasts

The Pink Lady® apple, known for its sweetness, combined with a subtle hint of acidity, and crisp texture, which remains even after cooking, brings a pleasant contrast to recipes. An apple that has become a favorite of chefs looking to innovate in creative cuisine. Its ability to pair with savory ingredients such as Iberian ham or cured cheeses makes this apple an ideal ally for surprising and sophisticated recipes. In addition, its bright pink color adds a distinguished air to any preparation.

Some ideas for exploring sweet and savory contrasts with Pink Lady include:
– Apple canapés with Iberian ham and honey: a classic combination with a creative twist.
– Pink Lady salad with cured cheese and walnuts: a balanced dish with texture and intense flavor.
– Apple and foie gras millefeuille: an elegant bet for special occasions.

An apple with history and production excellence

Pink Lady® is not only a delicious apple, but also a variety with a demanding and sustainable production. This apple requires a long growing cycle, which guarantees slow ripening and superior quality. In this sense, Giropoma’s grower-partners dedicate a constant effort to maintain the highest production standards, respecting the environment and betting on innovation.

Giropoma’s varieties: quality and diversity

In addition to Pink Lady®, Giropoma produces and markets a wide range of varieties. These include Royal Gala, a sweet and aromatic apple ideal for fresh consumption. The Fuji, which stands out for its juiciness and intense flavor; and the Golden, balanced and versatile, ideal for eating alone or for cooking. Granny Smith, with its acidic and refreshing taste, is a good choice for savory dishes; and Red Delicious, a highly appreciated apple by growers and consumers thanks to its intense red color and size. Finally, Candine® offers a good balance between sweetness and freshness, with a persistent aroma that makes it a very tempting option; and Joya®, which stands out for its taste balance.

This diversity makes it possible to offer quality apples adapted to all needs, from fresh consumption to gourmet cooking.

Pink Lady, the apple on the table and in social initiatives

A striking red apple with a name that makes it seem sweet without even having tasted it, but that brings you closer to what this variety has to offer. The Pink Lady stands out for its bicolour tone between reddish pink and pale green. It is one of the apples that Giropoma has been selling for a long time and this year, it has started to be harvested and sold this November.

Of Australian origin, it was born in 1973 when the researcher John Cripps made a natural cross between two varieties of apple: Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. It was in 1994-1995 when the first trees were planted in Europe, specifically in France, and this new variety crossed the continent. In 1997, nursery owners, growers and distributors joined forces to create the Pink Lady® Europe association, and in 1998-1999, Spanish and Italian growers joined the Pink Lady® adventure.

The harvest of the Pink Lady is one of those that starts later, between the end of October and the beginning of November, because the fruit needs time to acquire maturity and the desired colour, characteristics that it achieves in the last weeks of ripening on the tree.

It is an ideal apple for eating fresh, making juices and is widely used in salads and to accompany meat and fish, due to its flavour which manages to combine sweetness with acidity in a very balanced way, as well as being comforting and refreshing. The variety, with a thin skin and a very aromatic burnt-coloured flesh, has a crunchy and juicy texture. It also contains natural fibre that helps to improve intestinal traffic, is antioxidant, provides vitamin C and contains 80% water.

In addition, it is a fruit with a transversal function as it has a high social commitment. Not only does it satisfy its consumers at the table, but in 2016 the Pink Lady Foundation was created to support business projects run by women. And it doesn’t stop there: in 2020, the variety launched its charter of commitments, which integrates the three pillars of sustainable development (environmental, social and economic issues).

Along these lines, several solidarity initiatives have also been organised, such as the “Sponsor a tree “ day, during which an outing was organised to one of Giropoma ”s fields with the aim of bringing the world of agriculture closer to the people, being absolutely transparent throughout the chain and generating a meeting point between consumers.

It should be emphasised that Pink Lady is a successful variety developed under the Club umbrella, which means that it has to comply with specific quality standards and is marketed by a limited number of producers, of which Giropoma is a member, following specific practices and committed to the environment. In this sense, it follows Giropoma ‘s mission, which is to offer healthy, high quality apples, always following the values that define the company: the defence of the territory and the rural environment, respect for the environment, proximity, commitment and a commitment to people.