A new type of apple that looks like a tomato and is full of antioxidants is about to arrive in France. The Redline apple is not transgenic, but a simple cross of natural apples. Researchers used a type of apple with red flesh from Asia (which is very acidic so not very good) and crossed it with another sweet variety.
They took the pollen from one and placed it into the flower of the other to create the fruit, which they then used their seeds to plant more, then waited for a tree to grow with the first fruits. They even had to start over at one point as the fruit wasn’t perfect. It took fifteen years to achieve this new variety.
The Redlove was created in Switzerland but orchards will be planted in France. Apple trees are currently growing in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Lot-et-Garonne.
The apples are more resistant to parasites and contain antioxidants. Molecules, called anthocyanin, can be found in the red of the apple and are good for your health. There is obviously also an interest in the aesthetics of the fruit, the possibility of making red cider or red tarts.
What remains to be seen is whether the French consumer is ready to pay the high price for the apples… about €2/kilo. The first Redlove apples will be available in supermarkets this autumn.