There are many reasons to love Michigan apples; name a cooking method, and apples fit in somewhere. They can be fried, dried, baked, and squeezed for applesauce and cider. Apples can be eaten out of hand for a healthy, low-calorie treat, with varieties ranging from soft, pulpy and sweet, to crisp and tart. Or, add your own calories by coating them with caramel and nuts for a gooey fall goody.

One of the best selling points about apples may be that all that tastiness comes in a healthy package. A medium-size apple has about 80 calories, and contains dietary fiber. Fiber is a healthy ingredient for people to eat because it reduces cholesterol, helps digest food, and prevents certain types of cancer.

And how about this, apples aren't only delicious and healthy, they're also fun! Fall weekends become something special when you add a visit to a Michigan farm market or cider mill. If you live in Michigan, there's sure to be one close to you, there are 113 throughout the state. While there, you may be able to pick your own apples. You can also enjoy the yummy smell of apples being pressed into cider, and purchase fresh cider, applesauce and apple butter to take home. Some orchards also offer other activities like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin carving, horse-drawn wagon rides and farm tours. Why not ask Mom and Dad to take you out for a family outing at the nearest orchard?

Michigan's apple harvest season runs from August to November, so there's still time to make Michigan apples a major part of your plans for a fun fall.

Some Great Apple Recipes