From: Stemilt Nutrition Roundup Newsletter - September 2006
The average American who eats an average-size apple gets a much greater nutrient punch than previously thought by selecting and consuming that all-American piece of fruit.
That’s according to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report indicating the average apple is much larger today, providing a much greater percentage of the recommended daily allowances for nutrients that lead to good health.
The FDA evaluated apples as part of its regular review of the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits and vegetables in the United States. The FDA is responsible for analyzing nutritional values of the top 20 in accordance with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990. The agency’s analysis is conducted every four years.
Based on information submitted by the U.S. Apple Association, an industry trade group based in Vienna, Va., the FDA increased the portion size assigned to a typical apple serving. The agency has long defined a serving as one medium apple weighing 154 grams or 5.5 ounces. The serving size was set based on 1975 market data for the majority of apples sold in supermarkets.
U.S. Apple officials asserted that current market data shows retailers are selling significantly larger apples. The organization stated that apple growers have adapted to consumers’ tastes and preferences in the last 30 years by growing and marketing larger apples. As a result, most apples in stores weigh an average 264 grams, and consumers are benefiting from many more nutrients every time they eat an apple.
The FDA agreed, reporting that an average apple offers 5 grams of fiber, up from 3 grams, and 260 milligrams of potassium, an increase from 160 milligrams. The adjusted information means that every time consumers eat an apple they get 20 percent of the fiber and 7 percent of the potassium recommended daily for good health. That’s up from 12 percent and 5 percent respectively.