These genetically modified apples don't turn brown

In brief

This month, Okanagan Specialty Fruits' Arctic apple will be made available across the midwestern US. The fruit has been genetically modified such that its flesh won't turn brown when exposed to air.

Fresh flesh

Later this month, Okanagan Specialty Fruits will begin selling its Arctic apples across the midwestern US. The fruit will be sold sliced, as it’s been genetically modified such that its flesh doesn’t brown as its exposed to air.

The genetically modified apple was made possible by research carried out at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia. Scientists figured out a way to prevent the browning process by deleting the gene that encodes the enzyme responsible. Okanagan suppresses this enzyme in order to preserve the fruit’s flesh indefinitely.

The company produces its Arctic apple in three different varieties; Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Fuji. Okanagan will start supplying 400 stores in the US with bags of apple slices over the coming weeks.

An apple a day

Many examples of genetically modified food benefit the producer, rather than the customer, but the Arctic apple bucks that trend. There are hopes that if it’s successful, it might pave the way for other products.

Genetic modification can offer a whole host of ways to augment food, from improving the nutritional value of corn, to reducing the amount of fat in pork. However, it can be difficult for these products to be approved by authorities like the Food and Drug Administration, and even more difficult for them to catch on with consumers.

The Arctic apple has received some criticism because of the fact that its packaging doesn’t explicitly state that the fruit has been genetically modified. Instead, there’s a QR code which is linked to more detailed information.

Even despite the benefits of genetically modified foods, many consumers are still reticent to actually introduce these items into their diet. The practical advantages of an apple that doesn’t brown might just convince people to dip their toe in the water.References: Nature News & Comment, Quartz