13 Great Ways to Use Apples Around the House
Apples
are one of the world’s most popular fruits. Not only are they delicious,
but they're extremely healthy as well. However, did you know that
apples, apart from being eaten, have a number of other incredible uses?
Here are 13 ways apples can be used that you most probably didn't know
about:
1. Migraine Relief
If you suffer from migraines,
the pain and discomfort can be overwhelming. However, studies have
revealed that smelling a green apple can help relieve some of the
discomfort caused by a migraine.
2. Prevent Sugar from Crystallizing Brown sugar is much healthier (and arguably – tastier) than white sugar. The only problem with it is that it tends to clump and crystallize. To prevent this from happening, put a piece of apple in a small fabric pouch and add it to your container of sugar. The apple will increase the moisture and prevent it from clumping together.
2. Prevent Sugar from Crystallizing Brown sugar is much healthier (and arguably – tastier) than white sugar. The only problem with it is that it tends to clump and crystallize. To prevent this from happening, put a piece of apple in a small fabric pouch and add it to your container of sugar. The apple will increase the moisture and prevent it from clumping together.
3. Preserve Baked Goods
Bread and cakes tend to dry out
quickly, even when kept in a sealed container. To keep them from drying
out, put half an apple into the container you keep your baked goods in.
4. General Cleaner Instead of using chemical-filled industrial cleaners, why not make your own effective, antiseptic, deodorizing cleaner? Simply mix equal amounts of apple-cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and there you have it!
5. Natural Sweetener Apples are an excellent replacement for sugar, as they add their unique flavor without overpowering the dish/drink. Apples contain fructose, which is healthier than white sugar and artificial sweeteners. Try adding grated apples to dishes instead of sugar and you’ll be amazed with the results.
4. General Cleaner Instead of using chemical-filled industrial cleaners, why not make your own effective, antiseptic, deodorizing cleaner? Simply mix equal amounts of apple-cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and there you have it!
5. Natural Sweetener Apples are an excellent replacement for sugar, as they add their unique flavor without overpowering the dish/drink. Apples contain fructose, which is healthier than white sugar and artificial sweeteners. Try adding grated apples to dishes instead of sugar and you’ll be amazed with the results.
6. Facial Mask
Apples
contain a structural heteropolysaccharide called pectin, which helps
tone your facial skin. To use it as a mask, grate it and mix with honey,
then apply the mixture to your face. Let it sit for about 15-20
minutes, then wash it off.
7. Prevent Nausea
Many people suffer from motion sickness while riding in a car, but eating a green apple can help reduce nausea.
8. Treat Allergies
Apples contain a chemical called
quercetin, which helps the immune system limit the amount of histamines
it produces during an allergic reaction. Histamines are what
cause allergic symptoms, so reducing their amount will help ease your
allergies.
9. Make a Fancy Drink In recent years, flavored vodka has become quite popular, but its price can be much higher than regular vodka. If you fancy some apple-flavored vodka, simply follow this recipe:
9. Make a Fancy Drink In recent years, flavored vodka has become quite popular, but its price can be much higher than regular vodka. If you fancy some apple-flavored vodka, simply follow this recipe:
- Cut some apples and put them in a sealed jar.
- Cover the apples in vodka, seal the jar and it let sit for a few days.
- If the taste is not yet to your liking, simply let it sit until you're satisfied with the taste.
10. Accelerate Ripening of Fruits
Some
fruits, such as apples, emit a gas called Ethylene that hastens the
ripening of other fruits. If you want those avocados and bananas to
ripen quicker, place an apple next to them, that ought to do the job.
11. Doggy Treats
While there are many foods you
shouldn’t give your dog, apples happen to be one of the healthiest and
most recommended fruits for dogs. Apples are much healthier than
processed dog-treats, but be sure to avoid giving them the core. Apple
seeds contain cyanide which is very poisonous for humans and dogs alike.12. Flea Treatment Apple-cider vinegar is incredibly effective at getting rid of fleas. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar, apply it to your pet's fur and gently massage it into the skin. The vinegar will chase away the fleas quickly and effectively.
13. Fix Over-Salted Food If you happen to add too much salt to a dish you’re making, just cut a few pieces of apple and put them in the pot. The apple pieces will absorb the salt without damaging the flavor of the dish.