Hey kids, give Santa some (apple) variety this year

Fishers, N.Y. – The New York apple industry is calling on children across the Empire State to leave an apple for Santa Claus this Christmas Eve, to give the big guy some variety (apple pun intended).

“Think about it, a person can only eat so many cookies in one night – let’s give Santa a break and leave him an apple instead,” says Registered Dietitian Linda Quinn, MS, CDN, who consults for the state’s apple growers.

Quinn says Santa eats an estimated 5,000 tons of cookies each Christmas Eve, well beyond the recommended serving size. Meanwhile, most everyone needs to eat more fruit, Quinn reports.

“We’re not saying no to cookies, we love a good apple cookie – we’re saying that every house may be a little excessive,” Quinn clarifies. “Meanwhile, our state grows so many different varieties of apples that there’s no way Santa will get bored.”

Bonus: Apples are known as Nature’s toothbrush, says Quinn, so eating an apple after a cookie will help keep Santa’s smile bright and healthy.

Don’t forget the reindeer, Quinn adds. “Reindeer love apples,” she says.

Note to editors:

• Quinn is available for interview. Contact her directly to schedule, linda@nyapplecountry.com.
• Download unbranded photography to accompany this story from our Flickr site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/nyapplecountry/sets/72157637700856604/.