Worth Every Bite

Arctic apples are the only apples that are specially developed to be the ultimate sliced apple.
They are capable of looking and tasting as fresh-picked fruit, not just for hours, but for days. Every bite is the perfect combination of flavor and value.

Fresh From The Start

More than 25 years ago, an apple growing family from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia became obsessed with growing the perfect slicing apple.

Neal and Louisa Carter loved the taste, nutrition, and tradition of fresh apples but struggled knowing that those same apples were a significant source of food waste, with 40% of the annual harvested crop finding its way into wastebaskets. Often, these wasted apples are perfectly fine — they just cosmetically brown when bruised or sliced.

The Carters set out to change that by creating the world’s first truly nonbrowning apple. Their team developed the genetics that would allow their apples to stay orchard-fresh for up to 28 days — 33% longer than other pre-sliced apples — and hold up to the rigors of the supply chain from harvest to table.

Arctic apples stay orchard-fresh longer

The Arctic Difference

When you love something, you want to share it. That’s how we feel about our Arctic apples. We’ve proudly grown apples for decades, but we have never been more excited to share the freshness of our orchards with you.

We use the apple’s own genes to “turn off” the enzyme that makes apples brown when cut.

Get orchard-fresh flavor and texture with an extended shelf life of 28 days.

Available in multiple cuts to reduce labor and boost creativity.

A Cut Above

Customers buy with their eyes. That’s why Arctic offers a wide range of attractive, flexible cuts — and the ability to customize cuts to your specifications.

Slices

The cut that started it all.
Popular as a side, a sandwich
topper, or in fruit cups.

Diced

Great for salads, pies and
crumbles, and as an integrated
ingredient in entrees.

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The Best
Sliced Apple —
From Us to You

Arctic apples are grown and processed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits®, vertically-integrated producers of novel tree fruits. For Arctic customers, this focus means every ounce of our attention goes towards creating the best possible sliced apple at every step in the process.

Development

Creating the ultimate sliced apples starts with better genetics

State of the art growing

All apples are only as good as the trees and growing practices that produce them

Processing

Arctic’s customized slicing technology means better quality and control

Marketing

We work closely with customers to create sliced apple programs that deliver real ROI

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions,
we have answers.

What are the origins of Arctic apples?

Arctic^® apples was founded by longtime apple and cherry growers Neal and Louisa Carter in 1996. While working on agricultural projects around the globe, Neal became passionate about the need to improve food systems and reduce food waste. When he later learned that apple consumption in the U.S. was declining, he saw a practical opportunity to help by creating the world’s most delicious and nutritious snack apple. After more than a decade of research and breeding in the couple’s Okanagan Valley orchards, the Arctic apple was born.

How do Arctic apples stay fresher longer?

Most apples begin browning within minutes of the apple being bitten, sliced or bruised. This is because the damage causes an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to react with the fruit’s phenolic content. This results in a brown-toned melanin that stains the fruit and consumes the fruit’s Vitamin C and antioxidant content. Arctic apples do not release this enzyme, allowing the apples to maintain their natural flavor, appearance and nutrition.

What are the benefits of Arctic apples?

There are numerous benefits Arctic apples can offer to consumers and the rest of the supply chain:
1) Superior Flavor: Arctic apple slices are known for their home-sliced taste.
2) Less food waste: Arctic apples fresh slices retain their orchard-freshness flavor for 28 days. The industry average is 18-21 days. No more throwing away half-eaten apples or treating fresh cut apples with flavor altering preservatives.
3) Supply Chain: Because Arctic apples stay fresher longer, less fruit is wasted during harvest, packing, processing, and shipping, so more high-quality apples reach consumers.
4) Retailers: Arctic apple slices are the perfect option for consumers, who increasingly seek healthy, ready-to-eat snacks. Our contact-free, grab ‘n go packaging makes it easier than ever to eat on the run, without sacrificing nutrition or taste. The longer shelf life of Arctic apples reduces retailers’ shrink.
5) Foodservice: Arctic apples offer “Less Prep, Less Waste, Better Taste.” Arctic apples are pre-sliced to reduce labor. That leaves operators time to focus on new menu opportunities where apples are not generally used, such as in salads, charcuterie boards, or whatever else can be imagined!

Where are Arctic apples grown?

All Arctic apples are grown in Washington state.

Who makes Arctic apples?

Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) is the company behind Arctic apples. OSF manages all aspects of Arctic apples. From the orchards to the customer.

If Arctic apples don’t brown, how can I tell if they’re old or damaged?

Arctic apples do not brown due to their resistance to enzymatic browning. Enzymatic browning happens due to bruising, or exposure to air. Just like any other apple, Arctic apples will brown when they begin to decay. Arctic apples’ nonbrowning feature does not mask rot.