The South African top fruit season is now here, and their delicious apples and pears can be enjoyed all summer long. Snack on this super-healthy, sunshine fruit at home, on a picnic, before your daily exercise regime – wherever takes your fancy.
South African fruit is counter-seasonal, so is available when European produce isn’t, which means we’re lucky enough to enjoy beautiful fruit all year round.
Apples are a delicious source of dietary fibre, which helps to aid digestion. A diet rich in apples could also help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Due to antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples, eating them could improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
Pears contain high levels of antioxidant nutrients, which are critical in building up your immune system. The high content of pectin in pears make it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels and the dietary fibre they contain helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.
The South African Fruit promotional campaign aims to help support the battle against the current obesity crisis in the UK, by providing a high-calorie snack alternative, to help promote a healthier diet. Varieties of apples and pears are available in stores from April until October.
South African Apple, Pecan and Marzipan Crumble
This gorgeous South African apple and pecan crumble includes some grated marzipan in the topping – and it works a treat. Enjoy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes, Cooking time: 30 minutes, serves 6
Ingredients:
- 6 South African Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 15g butter (I use dairy-free)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 30g pecan nuts, chopped
- 50g light muscovado sugar (or light soft brown sugar)
Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 75g butter
- 75g porridge oats
- 50g light muscovado sugar (or light soft brown sugar)
- 75g marzipan, grated
- Natural yogurt, single cream or ice cream, to serve
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6.
- Put the apples and butter into a saucepan with 100ml of cold water and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon into a baking dish and add the chopped pecans and sugar.
- For the topping, rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the porridge oats, sugar and grated marzipan. Scatter evenly over the fruit filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with natural yogurt, single cream or ice cream.
Cook’s tips:
Use your choice of South African apples, or use South African plums when they’re in season – you’ll need about 8, pitted and halved.
It would be great to hear what you think, and if you give this a go!
*collaborative post
