The amazing world of apple seeds
Apple seeds are inconspicuous and not much good. They often end up in the organic waste bin or the forest with the apple pulp. In reality, they are true treasures of nature. Embedded in the heart of every apple, they harbour the potential for a new apple tree. And they can surprise us in other ways too.
Apple seeds play an essential role in the cultivation of apples. Targeted breeding and the planting of seeds were the prerequisites for the impressive diversity of apple varieties that exist today. The core is the carrier of the genetic code and ensures the rich diversity of varieties that makes our mountain apple juices unique. Without this diversity, the subtle nuances would simply not exist.
The two sides of apple seeds
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, from which the body can produce hydrocyanic acid. However, the quantities are very small. Over the course of evolution, the human body has learnt to deal with this to a certain extent. Consumed in small quantities, apple seeds are therefore completely harmless and can even offer health benefits - they contain valuable antioxidants.
The hidden powers of apple seeds
In traditional naturopathy, apple seeds are considered to be little powerhouses. They are used in teas and tinctures to aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. These applications are once again taking centre stage today.
Fun facts about apple seeds
Did you know that? The largest known apple variety, the ‘Austrian Giant’, can have more than 15 seeds in a single apple. Or that apple cores are used in art to create intricate mosaics? Such surprising facts show how diverse the use of apple cores has been in different cultures and times.
The heart of the matter
The seeds play an invisible but essential role in the production of our mountain apple juice. They contribute to the complexity of the flavour by adding subtle notes that contrast the sweet and sour flavours of the apple. It is this fine balance that characterises our juice and which is also taken into account with the utmost care when selecting the apples.
Conclusion: More than just waste
Apple seeds are not just a by-product, but an essential component of the apple. They harbour its history, its strength and its future. The next time you bite into an apple, it's worth pausing to think about the small, inconspicuous seeds, which harbour so much more than it seems at first glance.