5 creative uses for apples you haven't thought of

Juicy and delicious apples make a tasty and healthy snack. However, there are plenty of innovative uses for apples besides simply eating them. Here are some creative uses for apples that let you take advantage of the versatility of this amazing fruit.

• If you've ever added too much salt to a dish, it can easily feel as though the dish is ruined.
• However, when you are making stews or soups, apple slices can be added to absorb excess salt.
• Add the apple slices and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
• After this, just fish out the slices with a strainer and add them to your compost pile if you have one.

• A little-known fact about apples is that they can help increase the shelf life of both store-bought and homemade cakes.
• Simply place apple slices in a container with the cake and place the container in a refrigerator or freezer.

• This may sound like a tasty dessert, but it's actually a fun science project.
• A perfectly safe activity for parents to do with their children, this project requires just a few supplies: vinegar, baking soda, apples, spices, food colouring and cinnamon.
• Apples must be hollowed out in the centre to create a hole for the eruption. This mixture of ingredients creates a foam inside the apple, causing it to gently spew from the top like a volcano.

• Using apples as stamps is an easy way to create decorative patterns on anything that you desire. To do this, cut apples in half so that each piece is flat.
• The core should not stick out so much that the piece cannot be placed flat on a surface.
• Children can then dip apple slices in fall colours and press them onto pages to create tree paintings. Adults can use apple stamps and permanent paint to create patterns on vases, coasters and other household items.

• Apples can be tossed into homemade potpourri recipes, which can then be given as holiday gifts or used to freshen up your own home.
• To make potpourri, apples may be combined with other fruits, as well as spices like clove and cinnamon.
• Fruits must be baked in the oven until moisture is dried out. Spices can be simmered or added to a crock pot.

There are plenty of other unique ways to use apples. Use your imagination, and try out these and other techniques.