Apples That Can't Brown, And Fruit That Stacks In Your Fridge, Say Hello To GMO

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Apples That Can't Brown, And Fruit That Stacks In Your Fridge, Say Hello To GMO

Okanagan Specialty Fruits

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the latest consumer fear. We're not quite sure how safe or dangerous these modified products truly are for our health.

Some experts argue that GMO foods will increase allergic reactions and make people more resistant to antibiotics. Other experts argue that GMO foods are more nutritious and more resistant to insect pests, which means people will be exposed to less pesticides.

Whichever side you stand on this issue, there seems to be no stopping the production of lab-grown foods.

This month, the 'Arctic Apple' can be found at grocery stores in the Midwestern U.S., and these bags of sliced apples will not brown when exposed to air.

"If the apple sells, it will pave the way for others," Yinong Yang, a plant pathologist at Pennsylvania State University, told Scientific American.

Here are some GMO foods you may already own in your house.

Watermelons

Seedless watermelons have been around for a while, but that's not how nature engineered our beloved summer fruit. Now you can even find square-shaped watermelons.

These mushrooms have been modified to not brown.

Monsanto created the first genetically modified corn in 1996.

Corn is the number one crop grown in the U.S., and most of these corn fields are genetically modified.

Soybeans

93% of soy is modified.

Canola oil

90% of the U.S. canola crop is genetically engineered.

Sugar

90% of sugar beets are genetically modified. 54% of sugar in the U.S. comes from this crop.  

Here's a tip:

Take a look at the sticker on the produce item and to determine whether it's been genetically modified, conventionally or organically grown.

What's your take on GMO foods?

Moojan has been a writer at Shared for a year. When she's not on the lookout for viral content, she's looking at cute animal photos. Reach her at moojan@shared.com.