For our springtime celebrations theme I prepared a variation of the traditional Passover dish: haroset. It is basically made with apples, walnuts, cinnamon, sugar or honey, and dates. There are many variations, one of which has sweet grape wine, so I decided to try out a nice, sweet balsamic vinegar instead. And to balance the sweetness, I added fresh lemon juice and a variety of apples–some tart. It turned out quite refreshing!

Apple Walnut Salad

3 medium organic apples—diced  (peel if not using organic)
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup chopped dates
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons pomegranate vinegar (one of ME’s bulk vinegars)*
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

* If unavailable  you can use regular red balsamic vinegar

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. The longer the salad sits, the more flavorful it will become. Serve cool or cold.

Health Benefits of Apples

• Apples are filled with soluble fiber:  (5 grams)
  -This fiber has been shown to reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and possibly some types of cancer.
  -Helps control insulin levels by releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream.
  -Cleanses and detoxifies, which helps eliminate heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
• Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion.
• In two studies researchers found that eating five apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.
• According to Chinese Medicine: Apples strengthen the heart, quench thirst, lubricate the lungs, decrease mucous and increase body fluids.
• Apple cider vinegar can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
• Studies indicate that eating apples daily can reduce skin diseases.
• According to a Brazilian study, eating an apple before a meal helped women lose 33 percent more weight than those who didn’t.
• An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium.
• Apples are packed with vitamins C, A , and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron,  and calcium.
• Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health.