Apple & Cheese Board with Apple Salsa. Just because we can't enjoy sampling Ontario Apples at the grocery store, doesn't mean you can't sample and try a taste test at home!
Adding apples to a cheese or charcuterie board is a great option because the delicious (& healthy) slices act as the perfect crunchy cracker for cheese, meats and dips!
We have paired four Ontario Apple Growers varieties with four cheeses plus an Apple Salsa to make a delicious cheese board!
Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Ontario Apple Growers. Opinions in this post are my own.
Apple and Cheese Pairing: Ambrosia & Brie
Let's start with one of my personal favourites the Ambrosia. It's crisp, juicy and light on the acid. Try pairing Ambrosia apples with Brie for a delicious treat. We love adding Ambrosia apples to a charcuterie or cheese board because they resist browning and stay fresh and crisp!
Apple and Cheese Pairing: McIntosh with Smoked Habanero
Now an apple we grew up with, the McIntosh. Mildly tart, juicy but it sweetens as it ripens. McIntosh are great with flavorful cheeses like this smoked habanero cheese. McIntosh apples are really delicious in savory preparations, we love adding them to a pizza.
Apple and Cheese Pairing: Honeycrisp with Blue
Onto the Honeycrisp, they are sweet, juicy and crisp! The Honeycrisp is the perfect compliment for blue cheese. The crisp bright flavour of the Honeycrisp makes it a favourite to add to coleslaw as a perfect side to grilled meals.
Apple and Cheese Pairing: Gala with Cheddar
Finishing up with the Gala, they are sweet, fragrant and crisp! Gala apples are delicious on a skewer with cheddar. The Gala's sweet flavor becomes milder when cooked making them a perfect addition to curry dishes!
Check Out Our Video of our Cheese and Apple Taste Testing here
Ontario apples rank among the best in the world
The amazing growing conditions are due to the 3 great lakes moderating temperatures, creating warm sunny days and cool nights to create these tasty wonders of nature.
Care and handling of Apples
To keep the crunch in Ontario apples, store them in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator crisper. Cold, humid storage ensures that apples maintain their crispness, juicy texture and full flavour.
Health Benefits of Apples
Latest health related apple research indicates that apples may reduce the risk of: neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, heart disease and high cholesterol, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
TIP:
Eat an apple 15 minutes before your biggest meal. The apple is filled with fibre and water, which will make you feel satiated sooner. As a result you will end up consuming fewer calories.
We encourage you to try an apple and cheese board at home and sample the amazing variety of flavours of Ontario Apples! Be creative, have fun with the family and create your own!
If you get the chance to try this recipe, please drop back and leave us a comment and rating. We would love to know what you think.
Cheers! James & Elaine
📖 Recipe
Apple & Cheese Board with Apple Salsa
Ingredients
- ½ large apple x4, cored and small diced, of each: Ambrosia, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper seeded and small diced
- ⅓ cup orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and small diced
- ⅓ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or substitute lime juice
- 1 tsp. honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix together the balsamic, honey and a sprinkle of salt & pepper. Stir to combine, then add the onions and toss to coat. Let the onions sit in the vinegar for 10-15 minutes.
- Next add the 4 varieties of diced apples to the bowl and toss. Mix until the apples are well coated in the vinegar (this will slow down the browning process).
- Mix in the bell peppers, cilantro, and jalapeño, then toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if required. Use immediately or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Video
Notes
- Ambrosia with brie
- McIntosh with smoked habanero
- Honeycrisp with blue
- Gala with cheddar
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