Seasons/Availability
Rome apples are available in the fall through early winter.
Current Facts
Rome apples are botanically classified as Malus domestica and are a variety of the species, pumila. They have had many names over the years including Winter Banana, Peacock, and Red Rome Beauty and are most often labeled as simply ‘Romes’ or ‘Red Rome’ in supermarkets.
Nutritional Value
Rome apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, helping to regulate digestion and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidants such as vitamin C which helps boost immune function and protect against certain cancers. They contain small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.
Applications
Rome apples can be used for both eating and cooking. They are great for snacking due to their sweet-tart flavor, and they hold up well in baking. They can be cooked down into sauces or purees, used in pies and tarts, and added to stews as a tart addition. Applesauce made from Romes adds a unique flavor to dishes like pork chops or baked beans.
Storage
Rome apples should be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer for two to three weeks without losing any of their flavor or texture. If you plan on using them within five days of purchase, they may also be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Health Benefits
In addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals, Rome apples are a good source of dietary fiber. They contain antioxidants which can help reduce your risk for certain types of cancer and they can help lower cholesterol levels. Apples also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent the development of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Cooking
Rome apples are often used in baked goods due to their sweet flavor and firm texture. They’re ideal for pies, tarts, muffins, cakes, cookies, and breads as they retain their shape during baking. In addition to baking, Romes can be cooked down into sauces or purees or added to stews as a tart flavor addition. Due to their mild flavor profile, Romes pair well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Try adding a few slices to an apple crisp or crumble, a tasty way to add sweetness and crunch.
Nutrition
Rome apples are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Eating one medium-sized apple provides around 95 calories, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 14% of the recommended daily value for vitamin A, 8% for vitamin C, and 1% for potassium. Apples are also rich in antioxidants that may help protect against certain types of cancer and reduce levels of bad cholesterol. They’re also high in flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Preparation and Serving Ideas
Rome apples can be eaten fresh, cooked, or baked. They are a great addition to salads, slaws, salsas, and fruit compotes. They’re also perfect for baking into pies, cobblers, crumbles, cakes and muffins. To keep their flesh firm during cooking or baking, you may want to add a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the recipe. You can also use Rome apples in savory dishes like pork chops with roasted apples or creamy potato-apple gratin. Finally, they make a wonderful snack when sliced and paired with nut butter or cheese.
