Healthy Pickings

The turning leaves signal prime time for one of Rhode Island's best products-apples.

With some 20 local varieties and just as many apple orchards dotting the state, an apple picking adventure is our pick of the season for outdoor activity.

At many local spots, picking is only part of the fun. "We do school tours and we have fresh-pressed cider and pies," says Pat Jaswell, wife of Richard, whom she calls the "farmer-in-charge." Jaswell Farm has been in operation since 1900; four generations have tilled the Smithfield soil. Their roadside stand offers a bounty of other autumnal delights, like pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn.

In addition to a day of fresh autumn air and exercise, your loot is loaded with nutrition. A medium-sized apple is high in fiber, pectin and boron, has only 80 calories and no cholesterol. As a bonus, its crispy texture acts as a natural toothbrush.

How do you like them apples? 
May we suggest...

• Apple crisp