An English apple that improves in taste whilst lying dormant in storage is being likened to a fine wine that gets better with age.

The Red Prince apple is going on general sale across British Tesco stores this week, following a trial last year which proved popular.

What makes the variety so extraordinary is the fact that the flavor and texture of Red Prince is enhanced 'whilst it sleeps', according to Tesco’s John Worth.

"There’s nothing quite like the taste of a classic English apple to excite and delight the taste buds," he says.

"However, as the English season doesn’t start until August, the Holy Grail for growers has been to come up with a variety that holds its freshness and taste whilst it is put into cold storage during the winter months.

"Our grower has gone beyond that and found a new variety that actually improves in taste whilst it is dormant."

The Red Prince is a natural cross between the Golden Delicious and Red Jonathon varieties and is large and firm with a sweet and tangy taste.

It can be stored long-term through the winter months.

"Somewhat like a fine wine, while it sleeps, its flavor and texture are enhanced as the natural sugars and acids mature to elevate the eating experience of this premium apple."

Red Prince is grown by one of the U.K.’s leading growers and packers of English top fruit, Adrian Scripps Ltd.

Managing director James Simpson says the science behind the breakthrough involves using the latest technology to decrease the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the cold store to extremely low levels.

"Apples are monitored daily for any change in the skin color, which can indicate that the levels are incorrect and are putting the apple under stress," he says.

"Oxygen levels are set an optimum level found for the apple to store longer. This is different than normal storage where a standard regime is used that is not bespoke to the fruit in store."

www.freshfruitportal.com