Apples are one of the most popular and versatile fruits enjoyed in Australia, and around the world. Their vibrant colours, ranging from red to yellow to green, make them a staple in many households. But have you ever wondered what gives apples their distinct colours?
On our Stanthorpe orchard we grow two of the most popular varieties of apples, each with their own well recognised colour; Pink Lady and Granny Smith.
Granny Smith apples are an excellent example of the crisp, bright green coloured apples that you will see in supermarkets and fruit stalls.
The green colour of a Granny Smith apple comes from chlorophyll, a pigment found in the skin of the fruit. Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. In apples, the amount of chlorophyll present determines the intensity of the green colour. This vibrant skin not only makes green apples visually appealing but also indicates their unique nutritional profile.
Granny Smith apples are well known for their nutritional values, including:
- Rich in Nutrients: Green apples are a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system, skin health, and the absorption of iron. They also contain a good amount of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
- High in Fibre: One of the standout benefits of Granny Smith apples is their high dietary fibre content. Fibre is vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation, and promoting regular bowel movements. A diet rich in fibre can also help manage weight by promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Low in Calories: If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack, green apples are an excellent choice. They provide a tart flavour without adding excessive calories to your diet, making them ideal for those watching their weight.
- Antioxidant Properties: Green apples are packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols which help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidants also play a role in slowing down the ageing process and maintaining overall health.
- Boosts Gut Health: The fibre and polyphenols in green apples have been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and better mental health.
For all of those reasons and more, we love green apples! In particular our fresh and tasty Granny Smith apples grown right here in our family orchard.
Each year we send millions of our fresh apples to supermarkets all over Australia, however there is always a portion of those apples that are rejected due to the ever increasing cosmetic standards of supermarkets.
To reduce the food waste in our orchard and save millions of apples from being thrown away, we created our delicious Upple drink! Made from 99.9% whole, cored apples, it contains all of the nutrients from the pulp, peel and juice, with none of the typical nasties you find in regular apple juice like added sugars and preservatives.
We welcome you to try Upple for yourself, it’s a favourite of kids and adults alike! Find your nearest stockist on our page here.