Browse services
your locationFind care near me

Find urgent care

Find and book appointments for:

From Apple Picking to Preserving: 4 Safety Tips for Fall Treats

Key Points

  • The article emphasizes the importance of consuming organic apples, as they are free from pesticides and harmful bacteria that can cause digestive problems. Even organic apples should be washed correctly before consumption.
  • It provides tips on preserving apples, such as washing them under running water, knowing which apples are best for preserving or baking, and following guidelines on freezing, preserving, and storing apples. Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth.
  • The article warns diabetics to monitor their sugar intake during the fall season, due to the abundance of sweets from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving desserts. It suggests having healthy treat alternatives, reading candy labels, and planning trick or treat alternatives.
  • It also highlights the risk of salmonella in turkey and provides tips on how to cook a turkey properly to avoid cross-contamination and ensure the bacteria dies during cooking.
  • Overall, the article provides safety tips for fall treats to keep individuals and families healthy, and to avoid the need for emergency medical care.

Fall is the time for pumpkin and apple picking, and trick or treating. As well, many people start freezing or preserving the fruits they pick. These four safety tips for fall treats will help you avoid harmful bacteria. They will also help you to stay healthy while preserving fruit, and teach you how too many sugary treats can be harmful to diabetics.

From Apple Picking to Preserving: 4 Safety Tips for Fall Treats

Key Points

  • The article emphasizes the importance of consuming organic apples, as they are free from pesticides and harmful bacteria that can cause digestive problems. Even organic apples should be washed correctly before consumption.
  • It provides tips on preserving apples, such as washing them under running water, knowing which apples are best for preserving or baking, and following guidelines on freezing, preserving, and storing apples. Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth.
  • The article warns diabetics to monitor their sugar intake during the fall season, due to the abundance of sweets from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving desserts. It suggests having healthy treat alternatives, reading candy labels, and planning trick or treat alternatives.
  • It also highlights the risk of salmonella in turkey and provides tips on how to cook a turkey properly to avoid cross-contamination and ensure the bacteria dies during cooking.
  • Overall, the article provides safety tips for fall treats to keep individuals and families healthy, and to avoid the need for emergency medical care.

Fall is the time for pumpkin and apple picking, and trick or treating. As well, many people start freezing or preserving the fruits they pick. These four safety tips for fall treats will help you avoid harmful bacteria. They will also help you to stay healthy while preserving fruit, and teach you how too many sugary treats can be harmful to diabetics.

Eat Healthy Apples

Forbes.com reports the Environmental Working Group's analysis of USDA data revealed "pesticides showed up on 98 percent of more than 700 apple samples tested," and these were washed apples. In addition, it wasn't just one type of bacteria found on these tested apples, but 48 different kinds.

However, organic apples are free of pesticides and grown organically so not only are they healthier for you, they're fresher. Forbes also says the cost of organic apples is comparable to non-organic apples. Once ingested, harmful bacteria can cause digestive problems including nausea and vomiting. Certain bacteria can spread quickly. If you feel sick after purchasing non-organic apples, seek out an urgent care center for the appropriate medical treatment. Keep in mind, even organic apples should be washed correctly.

Preserving Apples: Freezing, Canning, and Drying

The University of California (UC) offers a great guide on how to preserve, freeze, and store apples. The tips say:

  • Always wash apples under running water and use a scrub brush before eating. Never place apples in a sink full of water as bacteria could be presents.
  • Learn which apples are best for eating, preserving, or for baking purposes. The UC guide offers an informative list.
  • Follow the UC guidelines on freezing, preserving, and storing apples. Learn which additives to include for preserving, how to make sure canning jars are capped tightly and ways to dry out apples correctly. Preserved apples make a great snack.

Apples not properly stored, frozen, or canned can grow tons of bacteria, so do some research before you begin these homemade projects.

Diabetics Need to Watch Sugar Consumption

Fall often involves lots of sweets from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving desserts. Too much sugary candy can raise glucose levels in diabetics and if your glucose levels are too high, diabetic shock or comas can occur. The Joslin Diabetes Center says diabetics, including adults and kids, can take control of Halloween candy consumption using the following tips:

  • Make sure insulin levels are where they should be before consuming even small amounts of candy.
  • Have healthy treat alternatives on-hand.
  • Avoid candies with a lot of fat like those containing chocolate.
  • Talk to your children about the importance of reading candy labels.
  • Save some of the candy and pack one piece in lunch boxes each day.
  • Plan trick or treat alternatives like family costume parties with healthy foods, gameplay, and exchanging toys for collected candy.
  • Work with your kids to develop a plan to donate Halloween candy. One good idea is to send it to our troops overseas.

If you set rules on trick or treating, find a plan for the candy, and teach your kids to eat smaller portions, it will be easier to make Halloween a fun event. High glucose levels can be dangerous, so if your child consumes too much candy and sugar levels are high, know the walk-in clinics near you to receive medical care.

Salmonella in Turkey

Fall is also the season for turkey. It's important to learn the proper way to cook a turkey including what internal temperature is necessary before consumption. Salmonella bacteria dies during cooking, so never eat raw turkey. Don't wash your turkey in the sink to avoid cross-contamination with other foods or sink bacteria.

These four safety tips for fall treats will keep you and  your family healthy and most importantly, avoid ruining your holiday fun and ending up in retail clinics offering emergency medical care.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are some safety tips for consuming apples in the fall?

    It's important to always wash apples under running water and use a scrub brush before eating. Never place apples in a sink full of water as bacteria could be present. Also, consider purchasing organic apples, as they are free of pesticides and grown organically. Even organic apples should be washed correctly.
  • How can you preserve apples?

    The University of California offers a guide on how to preserve, freeze, and store apples. It's important to follow their guidelines on freezing, preserving, and storing apples. This includes learning which additives to include for preserving, how to make sure canning jars are capped tightly, and ways to dry out apples correctly.
  • What should diabetics be aware of during the fall season?

    Fall often involves lots of sweets from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving desserts. Too much sugary candy can raise glucose levels in diabetics. It's important to make sure insulin levels are where they should be before consuming even small amounts of candy, have healthy treat alternatives on-hand, and avoid candies with a lot of fat like those containing chocolate.
  • How can I safely cook a turkey to avoid salmonella?

    It's important to learn the proper way to cook a turkey, including what internal temperature is necessary before consumption. Salmonella bacteria dies during cooking, so never eat raw turkey. Also, avoid washing your turkey in the sink to avoid cross-contamination with other foods or sink bacteria.
  • What are some alternatives to trick or treating for diabetics?

    Some alternatives include family costume parties with healthy foods, gameplay, and exchanging toys for collected candy. You can also work with your kids to develop a plan to donate Halloween candy, such as sending it to troops overseas.
  • What should I do if I feel sick after eating non-organic apples?

    If you feel sick after eating non-organic apples, you should seek out an urgent care center for the appropriate medical treatment.
  • How can I properly store apples to avoid bacteria growth?

    Apples should be properly stored, frozen, or canned to avoid bacteria growth. This involves following guidelines on freezing, preserving, and storing apples, such as making sure canning jars are capped tightly.
  • What should I do if my child consumes too much candy and their sugar levels are high?

    If your child consumes too much candy and their sugar levels are high, you should know the walk-in clinics near you to receive medical care.

Related Health Concerns

Anxiety

Athlete's Foot

Bee sting

Bloating

Canker Sore

Cataract Surgery

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Depression

Double Vision

Fractures

Gout

Heat Rash

Lab Test

Pneumonia

Stress

Tonsil Stones

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Yeast Infection

Solv App

Quality healthcare is just a
click away with the Solv App

Book same-day care for you and your family

Find top providers near you
Choose in-person or video visits
Manage visits on-the-go
Get the FREE App

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using Solv, you accept our use of cookies.