Apples: New (gaseous) compound to maximize storage

[Villages PL]

This is about a recent innovation to keep apples in storage longer. They say it's needed because Michigan has a record yield. This gaseous compound is called 1-methylcyclopropene or 1-MCP. It temporarily keeps apples from their normal ripening.

The apples are sealed in a room and fans spread the gaseous compound so it can penetrate into the fruit.

The article I read in the Daily Sun (on November 11, 2013) didn't say if it was approved by the FDA. Has it been tested for safety? There was no mention of whether this compound remains in the apple after it has served it's purpose. I imagine it would because once it's in the apple, it's not a gas anymore. It's a man-made compound, not food. I for one don't want artificial man-made compounds in my food.

I realize organic is always an option, I'm just disappointed in the direction things are going. It's getting to the point where everything is chemically tainted in some way.

If you like to eat fruit as a way to promote health, I'd be interested in your opinion. Thanks.

[PaPaLarry]

This is about a recent innovation to keep apples in storage longer. They say it's needed because Michigan has a record yield. This gaseous compound is called 1-methylcyclopropene or 1-MCP. It temporarily keeps apples from their normal ripening.

The apples are sealed in a room and fans spread the gaseous compound so it can penetrate into the fruit.

The article I read in the Daily Sun (on November 11, 2013) didn't say if it was approved by the FDA. Has it been tested for safety? There was no mention of whether this compound remains in the apple after it has served it's purpose. I imagine it would because once it's in the apple, it's not a gas anymore. It's a man-made compound, not food. I for one don't want artificial man-made compounds in my food.

I realize organic is always an option, I'm just disappointed in the direction things are going. It's getting to the point where everything is chemically tainted in some way. But they are Yummy!!!!!!!

If you like to eat fruit as a way to promote health, I'd be interested in your opinion. Thanks.
The state of Washington probably has the biggest crop of apples then any other state I believe. They have what they call Controlled Atmosphere Storage, carefully controlled by the state. Careful control of Temp, Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide and Humidity, slows down the ripening process. It's non chemical. When done correctly, apples can last up to 12 months, and still have that crispness and taste. It's no wonder you see abundant of apples in spring and summer, when you know apples are usually only picked in fall or so. I'm always amazed to see so many choices of apples in the summer, when I know they were picked in the fall the prior year. I'm not sure what other states do, but Washington is carefully watched and controlled by the state itself.

[Villages PL]

The state of Washington probably has the biggest crop of apples then any other state I believe. They have what they call Controlled Atmosphere Storage, carefully controlled by the state. Careful control of Temp, Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide and Humidity, slows down the ripening process. It's non chemical. When done correctly, apples can last up to 12 months, and still have that crispness and taste. It's no wonder you see abundant of apples in spring and summer, when you know apples are usually only picked in fall or so. I'm always amazed to see so many choices of apples in the summer, when I know they were picked in the fall the prior year. I'm not sure what other states do, but Washington is carefully watched and controlled by the state itself.

Thanks, Larry, I'll try to remember that: When in doubt, choose Washington apples. One of the problems with the gaseous compound is that it slowly destroys the apple's antioxidants.

I suppose another strategy would be to just eat apples when they are in season. Perhaps I should stop buying them in January?

[Barefoot]

Honeycrisp apples, the best! :thumbup: