

Eating a medium sized apple will give you a third of your daily Vitamin C requirements. Chewing an apple helps prevent dental decay by stimulating the flow of saliva.
Pears are an excellent source of dietary fibre and a good source of vitamin C. They contain no fat or cholesterol. Pears are non-allergenic.
Downloads |
PDF |
| Apples, Their Antioxidants and Benefits to Human Health (CSIRO) (281kb) | |
| The 2010 Apple Report (1mb) | |
| Australian Apples: Fast Facts (72kb) | |
| The Apple Report (415kb) Information for health professionals |
Choose apples that have skin that is firm and smooth to touch. Apples should be stored in the refrigerator - this way they stay crisp for longer.
Choose pears that are well formed, free of cuts and bruises, smooth and plump. Pears are picked when fully developed but still firm and will continue to ripen off the tree.
If hard, let them ripen naturally at room temperature. Ripening can be hastened by putting them in a brown paper bag with an apple. If the flesh near the stem gives a little, the pears are ripe. Once they are ready to eat, store them in the refrigerator, as they will last longer.
Handle with care to prevent bruising.
Melbourne Market Authority site has lots of information about apple and pear varieties, recipes and educational materials about fruit and vegetables on its market fresh website.
Access to Melbourne Market Authority marketfresh website
www.marketfresh.com.au
Horticulture Australia Limited also has consumer information on its website, available at
www.oneadaysuperfood.com.au