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Okanagan Specialty Fruits Arctic Apple

Recently deregulated by the USDA, the Arctic apple does not brown after it’s cut, thanks to limited expression of an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The brand touts that the Arctic apple will eliminate the “yuck” factor that comes with eating fresh apples that have been bitten, sliced or cut.

In addition to concerns over organic contamination and unknown effects of this relatively new technology, opponents of Arctic argue that PPO genes also play a role in pest resistance. “Non-browning apple trees might be more vulnerable to disease and require more pesticides than conventional apples,” said the Center for Food Safety in a statement.

Okanagan Specialty Fruits says it will take several years for Arctic to hit stores.