Chai Spiced Stewed Apples

Recipe and Nutritional Benefit Details by Kate Dalton, Mayde Tea founder/Director (BHSc Naturopathy + Nutrition).

With just two simple ingredients, chai-spiced apples infused with an array of therapeutic spices become a tasty treat that not only pleases your taste buds but also keeps you feeling good. It's a real family favourite in our home!

Stewing apples, in comparison to consuming them raw, can enhance their nutrient levels in several ways:

1. Concentration of nutrients: As apples are stewed, the water content in the fruit evaporates, resulting in a reduction in volume. This concentration of nutrients means that you get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a smaller serving of stewed apples compared to eating an equal weight of fresh apples.
2. Enhanced digestibility: Stewing apples breaks down the cell walls and softens the fruit, making it easier to digest. This enhanced digestibility can help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently.
3. Release in pectin: Stewing apples releases pectin, a soluble fibre found in the fruit's flesh and skin. Pectin offers several health benefits, including promoting digestive health, softening stools, and potentially relieving constipation.
4. Improved flavour: Incorporating Chai Latte powder spices not only enhances the flavour but also provides several benefits. For instance, spices like cinnamon and ginger are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cinnamon aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Ingredients:

4-5 medium sized red apples

¼ cup filtered water

1-3 TBSP Mayde Tea chai latte powder (You can adjust this according to your preferred level of spiciness.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: core and slice the apples into thin wedges/cubes. I like to leave the skin on for extra nutrition benefits.
2. Combine the ingredients. place the apples in a saucepan with the water and chai powder. 
3. Stew: place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture to ensure the apples are coated evenly. 
4. Once the water is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the apples cook for a further 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. 
5. Check: if the apples are soft but not mushy, remove them from the heat. Otherwise, cook for a further few minutes until ready.
6. Serve: on pancakes, over muesli/porridge or with natural yoghurt.