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APPLES have been revered since ancient times, not just for their ability to "keep the doctor away," but also for playing a part in Bible stories, French love potions, American pioneers' westward trek and, later, the Underground Railroad.

Apples are well-known as a healthy food. They are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and low in calories. They contain pectin, a gentle fiber, making them helpful in combating constipation. And they have a low glycemic index, meaning they don't raise blood sugar too quickly.

Women who eat an apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop diabetes, according to Harvard University researchers. Eating an apple a day may also reduce risk of cancers by 10 percent to 40 percent, according to Italian researchers.

British scientists suggest that eating apples also may reduce the risk of asthma and lung disease, although it's not known why there is a connection.

It's best to leave the skin on the apple when you eat it. Not only are much of the fiber and antioxidants in the skin or just beneath it, but the skin also adds flavor.

Besides eating apples out of hand for an instant, portable snack, you can add them to almost every meal. At breakfast time, consider mincing apples to add to oatmeal or to pancake batter.

For lunch and supper, try an unusual slaw of grated carrots, thinly sliced apples and sections of fresh oranges, drizzled with a creamy garlic dressing.

I have heard that the Brits adore sandwiches stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced apples and mustard. Sounds odd, but it is tangy, savory, sweet and filling all at once.

Apples also make marvelous desserts. One of the fastest and easiest homemade desserts is baked (or microwaved) apples. Use a potato peeler to carve out the core of an apple. Then fill the hollow center with raisins or walnuts, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Microwave for one to five minutes, depending on how soft and juicy you like the apple to be. Serve hot, either plain or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apples also are ingredients in fresh, sweet cider. An apple winery near my home even makes a deliciously dry champagne-style sparkling wine.

Apple harvest season starts in late summer and runs through early winter.