An apple a day…, genetically buffed

Cinzia Cuneo 20 luglio, 2012 frutta, biologico

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:

1. Choose the varieties less sensitive to browning, as for example the Granny Smith
2. Cut the apples at the very last minute or keep them in water until they are used
3. Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice
4. Tightly wrap in a plastic film to avoid any contact with air

Try our recipe for Waldorf Salad

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.