apples Archives - Best Food Facts

Facts About Wax and Apples

Best Food Facts — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 14:55:03 +0000

A crisp, juicy apple is the perfect taste of fall. One of the most popular articles on Best Food Facts asks “Is There Wax on Apples?” Year round, people turn to our experts to get the facts.

The answer: Yes!

Apples naturally produce wax, explains Dr. Joe Kemble, professor of horticulture at Auburn University. The wax on apples helps to preserve the fruit and prevent moisture loss. “The waxy coating produced by the apple and found on its skin protects it. The waxy coating can appear milky sometimes, but if you rub it gently, you can actually get it to shine,” he said.

Occasionally, food-grade wax is added to apples as well as other fruits and vegetables to help preserve them. These waxes have been used for decades and are safe to eat, Dr. Kemble added.

When you’re ready to bite into that delicious apple, wash it with water. A vinegar solution can also be used. Leave the peel on, because it contains fiber, antioxidants and ursolic acid.

For some new ways to enjoy apples, here are a few recipes.

Dutch Apple Pancake Apple A Day

Apple, Ham and Cheddar Melts Favorite Family Recipes

Apple Pie Snickerdoodles Amy’s Healthy Baking

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars The Lean Green Bean

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What Foods are Genetically Modified?

Best Food Facts — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 06:00:52 +0000

GMOs – genetically modified organisms – have been the topic of many food discussions. With so much talk of GMOs and GM foods, you may be surprised to know there are currently only eight genetically modified crops available in the United States and Canada. Three more have been approved but are not yet available in the market. Keep reading after the infographic to learn more about each GM crop.

Corn (field & sweet)
The GM version of field corn protects the crop against corn rootworms and the Asian corn borer. Like GM field corn, GM sweet corn also protects the crop against destructive pests.

Soybeans
The GM soybean plant is resistant to pests and disease as well as being tolerant of herbicides that are most effective, allowing for less herbicide use overall.

Cotton
GM cotton requires fewer pesticides and protects against the cotton bollworm.

Canola
Canola has been modified through biotechnology to make it tolerant to some herbicides. This allows for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control. The modified plant also has resistance to pests and fungus.

Alfalfa
The GM version of alfalfa is tolerant of some herbicides, allowing for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control.

Sugar Beets
The GM sugar beet has increased tolerance to some herbicides, allowing for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control. GM sugar beets also have virus and pest resistance traits.

Papaya
The GM version of papaya makes the plant resistant to the prevalent Papaya Ringspot Virus.

Squash
GM squash has traits that improve the plant’s defense against viruses.

Arctic Apple
Developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits of British Columbia, Canada, this new fruit was developed by turning off the enzyme in apples that cause them to brown when cut, bruised or bitten.

Innate Potato
This new potato that resists browning and has fewer unsightly wasteful bruises has been approved by the USDA for commercial planting.

Aquabounty Salmon
This new salmon is genetically engineered to reach market size more quickly than non-GE farm-raised Atlantic salmon. It is available to consumers in Canada.

Want to learn more about GMOs from the experts? Try these posts:

What does a GMO look like?
GMO FAQs

Lasted edited Aug. 15, 2016
Originally posted Nov. 13, 2014

_{“Produce” by lukestehr is licensed under CC BY ND.}

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How Now Brown…Apple?

Best Food Facts — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 23:59:43 +0000

Last year we reported on a new variety of apples developed through biotechnology or genetic modification to not turn brown after being sliced. The Arctic Apple, created by Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) of British Columbia, Canada, has had a lengthy government approval process, but has now been approved in the U.S. While the apples are currently in the growing phase, they are expected to be available on the market in 2017.

OSF sent us a few of the Golden Delicious variety of Arctic Apple for us to try. To find out if there was a difference in taste between the genetically modified apple and a traditional apple you can currently find at the grocery store, we put them to the test with our Best Food Facts team. Here’s what they said:

Neither this video nor the taste test was sponsored by OSF. The opinions shared are those of the taste testers.

_{The image “In one movement….” by storebukkebruse is licensed under CC BY 2.0.}

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ABCs of Food: A is for Apple

Best Food Facts — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:53:30 +0000

The ABCs of Food is a series that explores all things food from apples to zucchini and everything in between. The series will focus on foods – specific foods, ingredients, processes and production methods – and will even highlight some food bloggers we love. Follow along with us as we provide fun facts, get expert insights and explore today’s food from A to Z.”

_{“Green Apple” by lisaolonynko}

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