As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of fruits, including apples. It is fascinating to learn about the journey these fruits take before reaching our grocery stores. When it comes to apples, it is surprising to note that the average supermarket apple is actually over a year old. Let me explain why.
Apples are harvested in the United States during a relatively short period, typically between August and September. This means that if we were to rely solely on locally grown apples, we would only have fresh apples available for a few months of the year. To meet the demand for apples year-round, various techniques are employed to prolong their shelf life.
One of the methods used is the application of chemicals to the apples. These chemicals serve to slow down the ripening process, allowing the apples to stay fresh for longer periods. While these chemicals are considered safe for consumption, it is important to note that some consumers may prefer to opt for organic apples, which are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Additionally, apples are kept in cold storage to delay their ripening. This involves storing the apples in controlled environments with low temperatures and high humidity. Cold storage helps to preserve the apples by slowing down the natural enzymatic processes that cause them to ripen and eventually spoil. While cold storage can extend the shelf life of apples, it does not completely halt the aging process, hence the reason why most grocery store apples are still quite old by the time they reach our shopping carts.
The fact that most supermarket apples are over a year old raises concerns about their freshness and nutritional value. Freshly harvested apples are known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, as time goes by and the apples age, some of these nutrients may degrade. While apples can still provide a certain level of nutrition even after being stored for an extended period, it is worth considering the potential differences in nutritional content between freshly harvested apples and those that have been in storage for months.
Having worked closely with fruit in my profession, I have had the opportunity to taste apples at different stages of their life cycle. While there is a noticeable difference between freshly harvested apples and those that have been stored for months, it is important to note that the taste and texture of apples can vary depending on the variety and the specific growing conditions. Some apple varieties are better suited for long-term storage, while others are best enjoyed shortly after harvest.
It is indeed surprising to learn that most grocery store apples are over a year old. The use of chemicals and cold storage techniques allows apples to be available to consumers throughout the year, but it does raise questions about freshness and nutritional value. As consumers, it is important for us to be aware of these factors and make informed choices when selecting our apples.