Features Production Research
Elise suitable for people with apple allergy

March 28, 2011 – Apples
of the variety Elise can be consumed safely by most people with a mild apple
allergy.

March 28, 2011 – Apples
of the variety Elise can be consumed safely by most people with a mild apple
allergy.

This
is the outcome of research performed by Wageningen UR (University &
Research Centre) and the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) in the
framework of the European ISAFRUIT project.

Elise

In
taste and storability Elise compliments Santana, previously the only apple
variety marketed as low-allergenic, being suitable for most individuals with a
mild apple allergy. The combination of Santana and Elise in a supply chain of
growers, traders and retailers could make low-allergenic apples available from
October to June.

Two
to four per cent of northwestern European citizens suffer from apple allergy.
These allergies are caused by proteins in the apple that, while harmless in
themselves, can lead to itchiness and irritation to the mouth, lips, tongue,
throat, nose and eyes.  People
allergic to apple are often allergic to other types of fruit as well, thus
limiting fruit intake and a well balanced diet.

In
The Netherlands, Santana has been marketed since 2006 as suitable for most
individuals with a mild apple allergy. Santana apples are harvested, stored,
transported and packaged in a controlled manner in order to ensure consumers
trust their identity. Packaging includes an information leaflet giving
test-instructions in the case of first consumption. Approximately 50 to 75 per
cent of individuals with mild apple allergies can consume Santana without
unpleasant allergic reactions.

Unfortunately
Santana apples are only available from October until mid-January, as they are
not suitable for long storage, and although the flavour of Santana is valued by
most, people allergic to apple still have only one taste to choose from.

This
choice can now be broadened with the variety Elise. Elise is a sweet and firm
apple that, according to the experts, has a full aroma. In addition, Elise
apples keep well and as a result, Dutch grown apples of this variety are sold
until June. Consequently, a good supply chain approach could ensure
availability of low-allergenic apples from October to June.

This
year, availability of Elise will still be limited, Elise, being a relatively
new variety, is grown on limited acreage.

Although
the apples of Elise are easily recognizable by their full bright-red blush, for
people allergic to apple, it is important to consume fruit only from controlled
chains to prevent them consuming the wrong type.

It
has not yet been clarified whether all apple-allergics who can consume Santana
can automatically also safely consume Elise. It is therefore important to use
caution when first consuming Elise, thus requiring an instruction leaflet like
that for Santana.

Research
results regarding the Elise apple variety are published in the scientific
magazine, Allergy, available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02499.x/pdf.