Ohio Department of Agriculture
Office of Communications
News Release
October 16, 2003
Media Contact: Melanie Wilt, ODA Communications, 614-752-9817
REYNOLDSBURG – Consumers from around Central Ohio put their taste buds to the test in the “Ohio Apple Taste Challenge” and chose the Ohio Empire variety as the tastiest during the OHIO PROUD Fall Harvest farmers market event recently held at Easton Town Center.
Consumers ranked seven apples in a blind taste-test based on texture and taste. Following the Ohio Empire was the Ohio Jonathan as the second most-preferred variety. The other Ohio apples, listed in order of preference, included the Golden Delicious, Gala, Red Delicious, and MacIntosh varieties. One variety of Washington apple was also included. Consumers overwhelmingly chose apples grown in Ohio over the West Coast, without even knowing it.
The Apple Taste Challenge was developed to increase awareness and introduce consumers to the many varieties of Ohio-grown apples. The event was their opportunity to evaluate and recognize the superior flavor, freshness, texture, and appearance of apples produced in the Buckeye State. In 2002, Ohio ranked 11th in the nation in apple production and produced 77 million pounds of apples.
The challenge was part of the OHIO PROUD Fall Harvest, a two-day farmers market that hosted more than 20 food and agricultural companies from across the state.
Consumers can contact the agriculture department toll-free at 1-800-IM-PROUD (1-800-467-7683) or visit www.ohioproud.org to obtain a copy of the Ohio Farmers Market Directory, which includes many locations where fresh Ohio apples are sold. OHIO PROUD, the agriculture department’s logo identification program, promotes food and agricultural products that are at least 50 percent raised, grown, or processed in Ohio. When consumers purchase these products they support Ohio’s farmers and the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture industry.
-30-