Genetically Modified Apple Has Record Harvest
October 28, 2020 
‘Arctic Golden’ apple
Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), the developer and grower of ‘Arctic’ apples, the only genetically modified apple, is reporting the largest combined harvest of its varieties, which have been bioengineered to prevent browning when sliced.
The ‘Arctic Golden‘ harvest yielded approximately 8,400 bins or almost 8 million pounds, the company said. Meanwhile, the ‘Arctic Granny’ harvest yielded approximately 5,500 bins or 5 million pounds. This doubles the size of the 2019 harvest, OSF reported.
The apples were harvested in Washington state, where 1,350 acres of ‘Arctic’ apple orchards are planted. OSF attributes the improvement to an increase in harvestable acreage from last year and the maturation of young trees.
“We are thankful for our team of over 150 harvesters who have made this season possible,” Bob Wilkinson, Director of Sales for OSF, said. “We’re proud to see the ‘Arctic’ apple volume continue to grow and look forward to our buyers and consumers giving this season’s high-quality, delicious apples a try.”
Based in Summerland, British Columbia, OSF calls ‘Arctic’ apples its flagship product. They are developed and grown specifically for fresh-cut applications. The apple’s own genes are used to “turn off” the enzyme responsible for making apples turn brown when cut or bruised. The result is improved quality and longer shelf life, according to the company.
Arctic apple fresh slices are available in two sizes and two varieties: ‘Arctic Golden’ (sweet) and ‘Arctic Granny’ (tart) in 10-ounce and 5-ounce bags. A new 2-ounce package will make its debut before the New Year, OSF reports.
The company has enlisted a videographer to join the harvest process and document the journey of ‘Arctic’ apples from harvest to packaging. For more information, visit the ‘Arctic’ apple YouTube channel or arcticapples.com.
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