Apple is the most well-known fruit to all ages for all time. If a person is asked what's the first fruit that comes to their mind, most probably the answer would be apple. The apple's history is a general knowledge to everyone, from biblical setting to fantasy, and now used in technology.
Have you heard of the Arctic apple? The FDA just approved this genetically modified apple. The reason why these apples were genetically engineered is not to minimize the use of pesticides, but to alter the accustomed imagery of apple.
The forbidden fruit (as what most people associate apple with) was genetically modified to look more appealing. Apple, when sliced turns brown after a few minutes. It's not because it's not fresh and starts to rot, it's because of enzymes interacting with oxygen. At first, it looks yummy and juicy, but would a person eat it after it turns brown? How about picky eaters like kids? It is a hardly possible scene.
According to Huffington Post, the GMO apple was developed by the Canada-based company, Okanagan Specialty Fruit. The creation of the Arctic apple took 18 years in the making - research, development, and testing. Recently, Okanagan is growing two varieties of Arctic apple and they would be available in the consumer market in the near future. The two varieties are Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny.
The apple will be very much pleasing to the eyes, especially for kids. Other than the fact that it is nutritious, the appearance will give consumers a reason not to dispose it instantly. Arctic apple can be sliced hours in advance before eating it. Farmers and packers can also benefit from the GMO apple with less spoilage and waste.
The New York Times said that the founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Neal Carter said that he will primarily sell the fruits to food service companies and other apple-packaging companies. Apples displayed in stores or supermarkets have calcium ascorbate that keeps them attractive to buyers. An Arctic apple does not use this ingredient.
Moreover, Okanagan is testing the said process to be used for other fruits like cherries, pears, etc.
This advancement in biotechnology will do well for both consumers and producers.
