Arctic® Apples Explained

Summary

Arctic Apples are a revolutionary product designed to solve the problem of apple browning, which leads to significant food waste. Through innovative biotechnology, Arctic Apples prevent browning by silencing the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, making them just like any other apple but with the advantage of staying fresh and appetizing. By reducing waste and preserving nutritional value, Arctic Apples offer a better solution for consumers, with multiple regulatory reviews confirming their safety. They are just as healthy and delicious as traditional apples but with a cooler, non-browning feature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arctic apples don't brown when bitten, sliced, or bruised, offering a distinct advantage over regular apples.
• 🍏 40% of apples are wasted due to superficial browning, and Arctic apples help reduce that waste by maintaining freshness.
• 🔬 The key to Arctic apples' non-browning feature lies in innovative biotechnology that silences the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO).
• 🌱 Arctic apples are created by introducing apple genes that shut off the PPO genes, preventing browning when the fruit is damaged.
• 🌳 Arctic apple trees are grown just like other apple trees, and the non-browning trait is passed on through grafting.
• 🍎 The non-browning effect is different from rotting and does not hide potential spoilage, making it easier to assess an apple's freshness.
• ✅ Arctic apples have passed multiple regulatory reviews and are considered as safe and healthy as conventional apples.
• 💪 Arctic apples retain more antioxidants and vitamin C, which would otherwise be lost through enzymatic browning in regular apples.
• ⚙️ The biotechnology used in Arctic apples helps stop browning by essentially switching off the PPO enzyme, similar to turning off a light switch.
• 🌍 By reducing food waste, Arctic apples contribute to a more sustainable and efficient food system while offering a higher-quality product.

Q & A

What makes Arctic apples different from regular apples?

Arctic apples are similar to regular apples, but they have a distinct advantage: they do not brown when bitten, sliced, or bruised.

Why is the non-browning feature of Arctic apples important?

The non-browning feature of Arctic apples helps reduce food waste. Around 40% of apples are wasted due to superficial browning, so this innovation ensures that more apples get eaten.

How does Arctic apples' biotechnology work to prevent browning?

Arctic apples use biotechnology to silence the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme, which causes the browning reaction in regular apples when exposed to air.

What happens when an apple is damaged, and how does this relate to browning?

When an apple is damaged, its cells burst open, releasing the PPO enzyme, which causes the apple to turn brown. Arctic apples prevent this by turning off the PPO enzyme.

How are Arctic apples created through biotechnology?

Arctic apples are created by introducing apple genes that shut off the PPO genes already present in the apple. This results in apples that do not brown when damaged.

How are Arctic apple trees planted and grown?

After the tissue of the Arctic apple is modified, the plantlets are grafted into rootstock, and the trees are then planted and grown like any other apple tree.

Are Arctic apples safe to eat?

Yes, Arctic apples have undergone multiple regulatory reviews, all of which found them to be as safe and healthy as any other apple.

Do Arctic apples mask rot or spoilage?

No, Arctic apples do not hide rot. The absence of browning makes it easier to tell when an apple is still fresh and good to eat.

What nutritional benefits do Arctic apples provide?

Arctic apples are likely to better retain their nutritional content, including antioxidants and vitamin C, compared to regular apples, which lose these nutrients through enzymatic browning.

Are Arctic apples similar to other apple varieties?

Yes, Arctic apples are just like the apple varieties you already know and love, with the added benefit of not browning when exposed to air.