Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

I’ve Found My Prince.

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A few months ago, if you told me there was a science to selecting produce, I would have laughed.

I mean, I’ve never given much thought into how I choose my fruits and veggies. To me, as long as they pass the “mom inspection” – firm, fragrant and preferably, from a local farm – they usually make it into my shopping cart. So I was intrigued to discover that there is so much more that goes into my purchase decision, and likely, yours too.

Take apples, for example. Based on a recent study of Ontario moms, here’s what we look for – in order of importance:

Freshness – Ability to Remain Crisp – The Variety of Apple – The Taste (Mix of Sweet & Tangy) – The Anti-Oxidant Properties – Locally Grown – Bright Red Colour – Good in Salads – Good in Baking
IMG_1788 (2)Who knew, right? For a long time, apples were just apples. However, I’ve finally found an apple that offers me everything I’m looking for, and more. You could say I’ve found my prince: my Red Prince.

Along the shores of Georgian Bay, Ontario, Red Prince apples are harvested in the fall and cellared until the new year – somewhat like a fine wine. While it sleeps, its flavour and texture are enhanced as the natural sugars and acids mature to elevate the eating experience of this premium apple. And when all is finished, the apple is left with a tangy-sweet taste and a rich, crisp red skin that is high in antioxidants. 

Of course, other than being crisp and delicious, there are a few other qualities which make Red Prince incredibly unique:

– The Red Prince is only available for a limited time. It is locally available from winter until summer, whereas other local apples are typically sold immediately after they are harvested in the fall. And, it stays crisp for weeks if stored in the fridge.

– It has a very unique flavour combination – it is both sweet and juicy (like the Golden Delicious) and crisp and tangy (like the Jonathan).

– The Red Prince is also unique because of the many ways it can be prepared. It is delicious when eaten fresh – on its own or in salads – but it is also perfect to be cooked, baked or juiced. It truly is your all-in-one apple.

Curious? I certainly hope so! And if you live in Ontario or Quebec, Red Prince apples are in stores NOW – so it’s the perfect time to take a bite, and see for yourself why I love them so much! BONUS – this coming weekend (February 7/8, 2015) there will be the following sampling opportunities available in-store:

Metro, Loblaws and Sobeys in Ontario
Metro and Provigo in Quebec

So, if you happen to find yourself in one of these grocery stores over the weekend, be sure to find your prince, and enjoy one of the best tasting apples you’ll ever have. Promise.
IMG_1787 (2)Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity recommends a daily intake of 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. One medium sized apple equals a single serving of fruit.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brandee H

    My son loves apples. It is one of the few foods he will always eat. There have been so many new varieties coming out! I haven’t seen these ones yet, but have been keeping my eyes open for them!

  3. Stephanie LaPlante

    I’ve never heard of these and I live in Ontario. I’m so very interested though! Just added it to our Sobeys grocery list. Do you know if they sell a Red Prince cider?

  9. nicolthepickle

    I’ve heard about Red Prince Apples. They have a unique history. They were talked about in the book The Tastemakers quite extensively. They sound delicious.

  10. Jen L

    Lena – I love Honeycrisps from BC and wait all year until mid-August for them. I tweeted to Co-op to see if we can get some of your Princes out here in Saskatchewan too! Co-op is so good about selling local food. I almost want you to mail me one. LOL I won’t ask.

    Have you tried a fresh Honeycrisp before? I’m obsessed!

  11. Marissa

    I love apples – especially Royal Gala and Honey Crisp. Although I’ve never tasted the Red Prince Apples, after reading your blog, I definitely want to try them. We have a Metro store close to our home so I’m buying some soon. Thanks Lena!

  16. Kathleen Fowler

    Love apples – eat them every day. We live on the West Coast so don’t have access to the Red Prince. Will be sure to look for them next trip back east.

  17. Branka Stefanovic

    I’ve never heard of the “Prince” before, but will definitely give them a try. I love sweet & juicy apples. Thanks Lena

  20. Mike S Mottishaw

    i love finding out about a new healthy made in Canada apple! thx for the write-up and I will be trying them out soon!

  21. Betty Spry

    I have never heard of this type of Apple, I will look for it in the store for sure now and give it a try

  22. loriag

    I can not say we have tried a Red Prince, the husband has always been pretty particular on his apple choice so that made it easy for us.

  23. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    they are pretty much true to their word on crispness thank goodness. wouldnt have tried them without this post

  25. Heather Howard

    I’ve never heard of The Red Prince. But we do love our NS HoneyCrisp! :-) Crunchy, sweet and wonderful!

  27. Cheryl

    I have heard of these apples but haven’t had a chance to try them yet! Can’t wait though, will pick up a bag soon

  39. bobbiJO Pentney

    I have never heard of Red prince, but I knew that one day my prince would come.

  40. Susan T.

    I haven’t heard of Red Prince apples but they sound delicious! Maybe we don’t get them here in the West?

  41. kathy downey

    I haven’t seen these ones yet,but we love Apples will keep an eye out fir them

  42. kathy downey

    I couldn’t find those in Newfoundland but i did in Regina and you are correct they are delicious !!