HortResearch to Highlight Antioxidant Packed Apple

From the outside the apple looks like almost any other, but bite into or slice it and the fruit's rich red flesh is revealed - given its unique colour by a high concentration of anthocyanin - an antioxidant known to offer human health benefits.

31/05/06 HortResearch from New Zealand will be highlighting the world's first red-fleshed apple juice beverage that is being developed to offer increased mental acuity and alertness at this year’s IFT.

The new red-fleshed apple, packed with health-promoting antioxidants, was developed by HortResearch and carries the fruit's traditional rosy colouring right to the core. From the outside the apple looks like almost any other, but bite into or slice it and the fruit's rich red flesh is revealed - given its unique colour by a high concentration of anthocyanin - an antioxidant known to offer human health benefits.

HortResearch Chief Scientist Dr Ian Ferguson comments: "This apple represents 'the next level of achievement' for our established breeding programme, which has already produced numerous successful new apples including the latest blockbuster variety Jazz(tm). Extensive studies, conducted by HortResearch's own Sensory and Consumer Science team, clearly showed that consumers were willing to pay significant price premiums for fruit with novel colours and tastes, or added health benefits."

"The red-fleshed apple juice beverage is just one of a number of concepts we will highlight at IFT. It is just one example of how we could collaborate with manufacturers to develop successful, targeted food and beverage products. Our company has invested significantly in its knowledge and science capability to drive competitive advantage in new lifestyle, wellness and therapeutic target markets for the food industry. We look forward to the partnership opportunities afforded by IFT."

HortResearch's programmes in wellness foods and ingredients are a natural extension of the company's established global presence in the fresh fruit industry. Dr Gavin Ross, HortResearch's US business manager continues: "We are using our decades of experience in fruit and food science to leverage innovative and exciting research that explores new paths to human health, wellbeing and mental and physical performance. Our research programmes cover a wide range of food and health areas including, bioactive analysis, natural flavours and fragrances, and consumer and sensory science."