Apple 'nachos' and other ways to use B.C.'s bumper apple harvest

It's been a fantastic year for B.C. apples — arriving three weeks early due to a strong growing season.

Tamra Davison, from Davison Orchards in Vernon, told Chris Walker on Daybreak South that the harvest had been "awesome."

"We're about three quarters of the way through harvest as it's a very early season here at the farm."

The orchard has operated for 84 years and grows 25 different kinds of apples.

A self-professed apple snob, Davison says she does many things with apples, but some varieties suit certain recipes better.

"The Transparent is not an apple I'd eat out of hand, but it's fantastic for baking. Spartan, Mutsu, Honeycrisp are also fantastic for baking as well."

The McIntosh — the national apple of Canada — makes a good applesauce because it cooks down very quickly.

"But I don't like that for pie," she said. "It doesn't keep its shape."

Beyond pie and applesauce

Davison has some suggestions for those who want to branch out further than classic apple pie or applesauce.

She suggests an apple-gouda grilled cheese sandwich: slice apples thinly and put them in between cheese and grill.

Another popular snack are apple 'nachos'.

Davison says these aren't your typical savoury nachos: arrange sliced apples on a plate and drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with pecans and mini chocolate chips.

"Everybody loves that one," she said.

And if you can't quite get through all your apples this fall, Davison says they can be easily frozen.

If you're using an apple like Ambrosia, Golden Delicious or one that doesn't brown, just peel the apples, slice, and place in a freezer bag in the freezer.

If you're freezing an apple that browns quickly, she explained, just sprinkle a bit of lemon juice on before putting the bag in freezer.

"That's a great way to eat local all year round."

With files from Daybreak South

To hear the interview, click on the link labelled What to do with all your fall apples?