The apples are one of the most delicious and juiciest fruits out there. In most cases, the apples are cream-colored from the inside but there are cases when the green apples turn out pink from the inside.
In most cases, there are two reasons behind the pink inside of green apples, including the oxidation process and the variety (yes, there are some varieties of green apples that are pink inside naturally!).
So, in the section below, we are sharing information about both these occurrences!
Why Is Green Apple Pink Inside?
- Oxidation Process
The most popular reason behind the pinkish and/or reddish inside of green apples is oxidation. That’s because when you peel the apple’s skin, the flesh will be exposed to air and the oxidation process begins.
The oxidation process can change the color of an apple’s flesh and the color ranges from pink to red. In addition, the longer exposure to air and oxygen can turn the yellow-white flesh to brown.
The oxidation process occurs with every apple variety, irrespective of which one you have purchased. However, the speed of the oxidation process depends on how old the apples are.
It happens because of the availability of phenol in the apple, which can oxidize the terpenoids. This chemical change slowly changes the apple’s color from yellow to pink and red and then brown.
In some cases, the flesh develops deep red streaks and tends to happen when the apple’s skin is damaged before they are peeled.
In addition, the red color of the damaged skin of the apples can also seep into the flesh of the apple, and the oxidation process develops pink and red streaks.
The oxidized apples are safe to consume as long as they aren’t too brown. That’s because the browned apples have a different flavor, nutritional value, and smell.
To prevent the oxidation process, you can squeeze lemon or citrus juice on the peeled apples. In addition, you can dip the apple in plain water.
- Apple Varieties
The second reason behind the red or pink color is the natural red or pink apples. Green apples with red flesh are common in East Europe and Asia but some people import them into the US as well.
In some cases, these apples are bred in the US and are bitter, which makes them unsuitable for consumption. These apples are pretty easy to identify as you can cut the apples and expose the flesh.
The flesh is completely colored rather than on the surface. In most cases, such apples are used for producing gin and cooking but pink surprise apples are actually delicious.
Contrary to usual belief, red-fleshed green apples aren’t GMO and are natural. The natural color of the apple flesh ranges from baby pink to deep crimson, depending on the genetics.
Some of the apple varieties with pink or red flesh include;
- Pink Sparkle
These apples were first developed by the University of Saskatchewan and were first released in 1978. This apple is a cross between sparkle and pink pearl, which are pink-fleshed as well.
The apples have a baby pink color and also have dark pink stripes all over the green background. The flesh has a tarter flavor.
- Giant Russian
These apples were developed in the Soviet Union and were released in 1978. The apples are a cross between jonathan and antonovka.
The apples have a green skin but they can become red upon ripening. As far as the flesh is concerned, it has a deep red color – also, the flavor is pretty sweet.
- Scarlet Surprise
These apples were produced in Iowa and were made public in 1977. The apples are a cross between wagener and jonathan.
The apples have green and deep red skin. In addition, there are yellow stripes on the skin while the flesh is deep red. In addition, the apples are extremely sweet.
- Thornberry
The apples were released in 1999 and were produced at the University of Guelph. The apples are a cross between golden delicious and McIntosh.
These apples have white and light green skin while the flesh is bright red and pinkish, depending on how ripe they are. In addition, the apples are sweet.
- Geneva Crab
This apple was developed in New York at the Geneva Research Station – the apples were released to the public in 1995. This variety is a cross between jersey mac and jonamac.
The apple is known for its light yellow stripes when it ripens. In addition, the apples have a pinkish-red flesh and can be added to salads for flavor.
- Mountain Rose
These apples belong to the rosacea family and are grown in Mount Hood, Oregon. The apples have pink flesh but can be deep red as well.
- Winter Red Flesh
The apples’ skin has yellow stripes and red skin. In addition, the flesh has a deep red color but it’s sweeter.
- Almata
These are red-fleshed apples and are more on the crimson side. The flesh is smooth and creates pink juice. In addition, the apples have a dark pink blossom and the skin has pink stains as well.
- Hidden Rose
These apples are a natural cross between rose-apple and rose. The apples were first developed during the 1960s in Pacific Northwest.
These apples weren’t commercially cultivated. In addition, they have a unique lemonade and strawberry flavor, which has sweet and tart undertones.
- Pink Pearl
These apples are the oldest variety of commercial apples. The flesh is pink and was developed in Canada. The apples were released in 1943 and were a cross between jonathan, golden delicious, and crabapple.
These apples have an elongated shape and firm texture. In addition, the apples are sweet. The apples are known to have white skin as well as pink blush flesh.
The apples have a juicy texture, which makes them perfect for snacking.
Red Wonder
The apples are dark red and have unique red flesh. The apples have a tarty and sweet flavor with spicy undertones. These apples are suitable for fresh consumption as well as for cooking.
The apples are around six to seven centimeters in length and they can be stored in the refrigerator for over a month.