All About
N.S. Apples
Eating and Cooking | Apple
Attractions
Apples F.A.Q.
Q. What is the difference between cold storage and
controlled atmosphere storage as marked on apple packaging?
A. Cold storage apples are placed in refrigerated
rooms (0°C) with a humidity of 85% or higher. Low temperatures, slow
respiration, and high humidity prevent moisture evaporation. Canadian cold
storage apples are available during the fall and early winter months. Controlled
atmosphere (CA) storage combines airtight refrigeration from 0°C to 5°C with
reduced oxygen supply and increased levels of carbon dioxide to retard ripening.
Controlled atmosphere apples are available during the winter and through into
the summer months, and they retain virtually all of their harvest crispness and
flavour.
Q. How should apples be stored?
A. To retain a crisp, juicy texture and full
flavour, apples should be refrigerated in the crisper drawer in a perforated
plastic bag.
Q. Why are Nova Scotia apples a more brilliant red than
those of other climates?
A. Our Nova
Scotia climate, with its sunny fall days and cool nights, is particularly well
suited to producing a brilliant red apple.
Q. Why is it important to purchase graded apples?
A. Graded apples insure certain qualities
particular to the grade indicated. Canada Fancy is particularly well suited for
eating. The Canada Commercial, or "C," grade is an ideal choice for cooking
purposes, since the skin is usually removed and the apple cut up.
Q. How can browning be prevented when slicing apples
for salads or fruit compotes?
A. Dip
slices in diluted lemon juice or apple juice, or use Cortland apples, which stay
white when cut.