Canada 
Alberta 
British Columbia 
Manitoba
New Brunswick 
Newfoundland Labrador 
Nova Scotia 
Ontario 
Prince Edward Island 
Quebec 
Saskatchewan 
United States 
Belgium
France 
Italy 
Switzerland
Elsewhere
Elsewhere
×
Elsewhere
Elsewhere
An apple a day…, genetically buffed
A small company located in the Okanagan valley, BC, is trying to bring to market a genetically engineered apple, called Arctic, that does not turn brown when sliced or bruised. It contains a synthetic gene that sharply reduces production of polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme responsible for the browning.
The company, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, hopes to get approval in Canada and the USA before the end of summer, to be able to plant the first trees already next year.
Among the advantages claimed by the apple grower: longer shelf life for apple slices (more appealing to kids) and reduced waste due to bruising in the packaging. Other apple growers already voiced their concern that consumers may avoid eating apples altogether because unsure about the genetically engineered ones.
However, consumer surveys show various attitudes toward this new apple, depending on how the questions are asked. What do you think about it?
Tips to keep apples from turing brown:
- Choose the varieties less sensitive to browning, as for example the Granny Smith
- Cut the apples at the very last minute or keep them in water until they are used
- Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice
- Tightly wrap in a plastic film to avoid any contact with air
Try our recipe for Waldorf Salad
Author
Cinzia Cuneo, founder of SOSCuisine.com, never wanted to neglect the quality of her food. She shares her special expertise to make good food quickly and without complications!
Our most basic food is being genetically altered. Synthetic genes in our apples? What will be left to us pure? How very sad.
Our most basic food is being genetically altered. Synthetic genes in our apples? What will be left to us pure? How very sad.