What is apple, seb? glossary, uses, benefits, recipes

The apple, universally known as Seb (सेब) across Hindi-speaking regions of India, is one of the most popular and readily consumed fruits in the subcontinent. Though the fruit is not native to the tropical plains, it thrives in the temperate, hilly regions of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. In the Indian context, the apple symbolizes health and vitality, echoing the globally recognized adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." It is valued for its crisp texture, sweet-tart taste, and ease of consumption, making it a daily staple in many urban and middle-class Indian diets.

A major reason for the apple's ubiquity is its excellent availability and competitive pricing. Thanks to extensive domestic production and efficient cold storage techniques, apples are available year-round. While high-end imported varieties exist, the domestically grown Indian Seb is generally cheap and easily available at every local fruit stall and vendor (thelewala). Its economical price point and long shelf life make it a preferable fruit choice for households across different income levels, ensuring that a source of fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin C), and antioxidants is always within reach for the average Indian consumer.

The uses of the apple in Indian cuisine are wide-ranging, extending beyond fresh consumption. While it is predominantly eaten raw as a quick snack or part of a fruit bowl, its sweetness and firm texture lend themselves well to both sweet and savory applications. In households, apples are often peeled and given to children as one of their first solid foods due to their easy digestibility. The fruit's long tradition in the cooler states means it is deeply embedded in regional culinary practices, particularly in baked goods and preserved items.

Across different parts of India, apples are integrated into several popular vegetarian and dessert recipes. In North Indian households, they are occasionally cooked into apple ki sabzi (a sweet and tangy dry curry) or sliced and added to vegetable salads for crunch and flavor contrast. However, the most widespread uses are in sweet dishes and beverages. For instance, apples are crucial in making popular items like Apple Kheer (a milk-based pudding), baked Apple Muffins, or simply blended into a healthy, fiber-rich Apple Smoothie or juice.

Examples of well-known Indian recipes featuring Seb include: Apple Rabdi (a richer, thickened milk dessert with apple), Apple Chutney (a sweet, spicy, and tangy condiment often served with parathas or snacks), Apple Halwa (a cooked, dense sweet similar to Gajar Halwa), and Apple Raita (a refreshing yogurt-based side dish). These recipes skillfully adapt the apple's subtle flavor to the bold spice profiles of Indian cooking, offering delicious and nutritious ways to consume the fruit.

In conclusion, the apple holds a significant and accessible place in the Indian kitchen. Its characteristics—being cheap and easily available due to strong domestic supply, coupled with its established image as a symbol of health and nutrition—make the Seb an indispensable part of the country's fruit basket. Whether eaten raw for a quick energy boost or cooked into innovative, flavorful desserts and side dishes, the apple remains a celebrated and highly valued ingredient across India.

One thing you need to be aware of when buying and consuming apples is that they are usually exported all around the world, and are likely to be coated with wax before packaging. So, before consuming, lightly scrub apples in cool water to remove the light wax coating, dirt and any leftover insecticides.

How to select apple, seb

• Look for well coloured apples that are firm, with a fresh (not musty) fragrance.

• Skins should be smooth, with no bruises.

Culinary Uses of apple, seb in Indian Cooking

• Apples are a favourite fruit, the world over. They are enjoyed as it, or added to salads, baked dishes, juices, other beverages and a variety of cooked foods too. 

• Once cut, apples will discolour if left open to the air. To avoid discoloration, dip in an ascorbic juice (such as pineapple or lemon), sprinkle cut surfaces with lemon juice or cover with a cling film and keep refrigerated till use. Click on to know how to store whole apple.

• Apples can be baked in an oven and served with custard or put into an apple pie or apple crumble. Try our recipe using apple in baking like Apple Pie, Apple crisp Pudding, Low calorie apple crumble, Baked apple cottage cheese pie, French apple tart.

• Bake an apple till soft, remove the core, and stuff with other fruits, brown sugar, raisins, or cinnamon, to make a delectable dessert. 

• Apples are a natural way to sweeten cooked cereals, such as oatmeal, and they make wonderful desserts when baked in pies, cakes, muffins, and Apple cobblers. 

• Dried apple slices keep well and make a fine snack.  

• Apple juice, Apple cinnamon milkshake, Apple cinnamon ice cream and Apple jam with cinnamon are a favourite with most kids. 

• Apple sauce can be made by cooking apples with sugar and water, and adding other ingredients such as nuts, vanilla essence, banana to make Apple banana steel cut oats 

• Hot Apple cider is best when your are suffering from cold or during rainy season.

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How to store apple, seb

• Store apples in a plastic bag in a cool and dark place of your refrigerator. Cold, humid storage ensures that apples maintain their crispness, juicy texture and full flavour.

• Cut apples turn brown quickly, especially when chopped finely or grated. Sprinkle a little lemon juice on the surface to prevent this.

Health benefits of apple, seb

Being low in sodium, apples are effective against high blood pressure because of its diuretic effect. Dont peel the fruit to get maximum apple benefits. Two-thirds of the fibre and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel. Apple benefits diabetics as the soluble fibre assists in regulating blood sugar and is heart friendly. See detailed 9 health benefits of apple.   

Glycemic Index of Apple, Seb, Safarchand.

Apple has a Glycemic Index of 39 which is low. Glycemic Index are for foods you eat, ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they digest and raise your blood sugar or glucose levels. Foods rank from 0 to 50 are low GI, 51 to 69 are medium and 70 to 100 are high. Foods that are high in GI are not suitable for weight loss and diabetics. Foods like Apple have a low GI and hence dont spike your glucose level as they are absorbed slowly. Great for weight loss.