The Cripps Pink apple, commonly referred to as the “Pink Lady,” is a young generation of hybrid apple hailing from Australia. According to the Australian Department of Agriculture, this variety of apple was bred by John Cripps and is a hybrid of the well-loved Golden Delicious apple and the Lady Williams. The pairing produced a fruit harboring the best qualities of both parents: A crisp and sweet apple that often serves as a taste and texture benchmark for its kin.

The Pink Lady was first bred in 1973 and has been extensively farmed in Australia since. The apple is grown primarily through the use of conventional farming methods, which is a favored practice in Australia due to the arid climate. Outside Australia, the apple is grown in Italy, New Zealand and the U.S., where organic farming methods are favored. The Pink Lady has been growing in popularity in the UK and now accounts for more than 10% of the fruit market in that country.

Whether grown organically or otherwise, the apple must meet a set of rigid specifications which govern its sugar content, texture, color and how it can be grown. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, conducts regular investigations of each growing site to ensure that the apple is being grown in an environmentally friendly manner. The Pink Lady is one of the only fruits in the world that has official ties to a government agency.

Pink Lady apples share the same health benefits of other varieties of apple. According to a study from the Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, those that eat at least one apple a day reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 17%. The organic fruit is also linked to lower cholesterol and diabetes management.

People enjoy the freshness of an organic fruit basket plus you’re giving green – green gifts are the latest craze. Remember…Give Fresh, Give Fruit!