As we approach autumn equinox on September 23 the thought of harvest comes to mind, as does apples. They are known as Britain's favourite fruit for several reasons such as:
1. Packing a large amount of fibre with modest calories, making then a great snack in the day or evening.
2. They contain pre-biotic pectin which feeds our gut flora.
3. They have a slow release glycemic index (GI) of 38 which doesn't cause blood sugar to spike.
4. A Finnish study showed those who ate apples lowered their risk for type 2 diabetes due to the low GI count.
5. Apples are 86% water and provide hydration as part of your daily water intake.
6. An apple a day lowered the risks of cancer, in particular lung cancer.
So I guess the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away is true!
From a chinese medicine nutritional view, apples are cool in nature and have a slightly sour & sweet flavour. Apples support the 'Yin' of our organs. What does this mean? a person might experience palpitations & restlessness and hot flushes. Apples have the ability to moisten symptoms which are heating or dry. e.g. a dry cough.
Generally apples suit all conditions except for coldness in the body. They are truly a wonderful fruit.
You can find out more info at: http://greatbritishapples.co.uk/#whats-appleing
There are always crumbles, but as we enter the colder days maybe you could try this as a treat!
Apple Brandy Toddy - serves 2
360 ml of cider
1 tsp of honey
1 stick of cinnamon 
1 lemon
100 ml of apple brandy of calvados
Heat ingredients in small saucepan for a few minutes, then pour over the apple brandy in heat proof mugs .
Recipe from:
https://www.penguin.co.uk/…/…/the-almanac/9781783524044.html

I hope everyone has had a great summer! It certainly has been tremendous weather. If your lucky enough to have a fig tree you may have an abundance to use up this weekend.
Figs are considered a neutral temperature in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms with a sweet flavour. 
What are there benefits? they nourish your energy (Qi) and the stomach & spleen (digestive organs) and blood as well as regulating the heart. 
Enjoy them raw or cooked.
Pudding:
Try panfrying in butter with a bit brown sugar or maple syrup, just until carmel starts to form. Top with plain yoghurt.
Easy chutney:
100g light brown soft sugar
120ml apple cider vinegar
300g chopped fresh figs
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 onion, finely chopped
50g sultanas
1 tsp flaky sea salt
Put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 hr, uncovered, stirring occasionally until it gets sticky and jammy. Spoon into a clean Kilner jar. That’s it. You’re done.
BBC Good food