New Swedish apple for allergy sufferers

A new  apple has been developed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences department for horticultural genetics and plant breeding, Balsgård, in Skåne. The apple has a reduced amount of the protein Mal d 1, which is known to cause allergic reaction. The protein, Mal d 1 is similar to the protein found in birch pollen which is a common cause for allergy.

The apple will reach the consumer market in four to five years. “First it must be investigated where the best conditions for growing the new apple can be found. The market for the new apple will also be investigated” , says Professor Hilde Nybom, head of research at Balsgård. When Professor Nybom, was newly employed in 1987, she made the first crossings which now has lead to the apple which now has been proven to have unique qualities.

Furthermore, Professor Nybom claims that the apple, which so far has no name, tastes better and is more beautiful than the apple Gloster, which so far is the only apple variety that can be offered to people with allergies.

News from "General News"

• 6 April 2006
  Fat food has negative impact on your memory
• 15 December 2005
  Synovate acquires leading Swedish market research company
• 28 November 2005
  Food Innovation Network Europe (FINE)
• 24 October 2005
  Society cost for unhealthy eating habits 233 USD per capita