When you bite into a crispy apple slice from McDonald’s or savor their delicious apple pie, have you ever wondered what type of apples does McDonald’s use? The answer might surprise you. McDonald’s uses a variety of apples in their products, including Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Gala, Rome, and Ida Red.
McDonald’s uses a variety of apples in their products, including Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Gala, Rome, and Ida Red. The specific types of apples used can vary depending on the product, with a combination of six different types of apples used in their apple pies for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Apple Varieties at McDonald’s
McDonald’s uses a variety of apples for their apple slices, including Gala and Empire apples. These types of apples are known for their sweet, mild flavor and firm texture, making them an excellent choice for slicing and serving fresh.
In the case of McDonald’s apple pies, a combination of six different types of apples: Jonagold, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Gala, Rome, and Ida Red are used. This blend of apple varieties provides a mix of sweet and tart flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the pies.
Sourcing of Apples
McDonald’s sources their apples from various suppliers across the United States. One of their main suppliers is Leo Dietrich & Sons, an orchard located in Conklin, Michigan. This orchard hand-picks apples at their peak of ripeness, harvesting about 10,000 apples a day during the season. Another supplier is Peterson Farms in Shelby, Michigan, which provides McDonald’s with apple slices and other fruits.
It’s important to note that while the apples used by McDonald’s in the United States are locally sourced, the sourcing may vary in other countries.
Quality Control Measures
McDonald’s implements strict quality control measures to ensure the freshness and safety of the apples used in their products. This includes treating the apple slices with calcium ascorbate, a compound that mixes calcium and vitamin C. This compound is used to maintain the freshness and color of the apple slices and prolong their shelf life.
Organic or Conventionally Grown?
The question of whether the apples used by McDonald’s are organic or conventionally grown is a common one. Unfortunately, McDonald’s does not provide explicit information about whether their apples are organic or conventionally grown.
Conclusion
The next time you enjoy a McDonald’s apple slice or apple pie, you’ll know exactly what type of apples you’re eating. McDonald’s commitment to quality is evident in their careful selection of apple varieties and their strict quality control measures. So go ahead and enjoy that apple slice or pie, knowing you’re getting a product made with high-quality ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the apple pies at McDonald’s made fresh daily?
While McDonald’s is committed to using fresh ingredients, the apple pies are not made fresh daily in each store. They are pre-baked and then frozen, delivered to the stores, and then baked on site.
Do McDonald’s use any other fruits in their pies?
McDonald’s has been known to offer seasonal fruit pies such as cherry and strawberry pies, depending on the location and time of year.
Why does McDonald’s use a mixture of apple types in their pies?
Using a variety of apple types provides a balance of sweet and tart flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the pies.
How does McDonald’s ensure the apples stay fresh in their apple slices product?
McDonald’s uses calcium ascorbate, a compound that mixes calcium and vitamin C, to maintain the freshness, color, and prolong the shelf life of the apple slices.
Does McDonald’s offer any other apple-based products?
Yes, McDonald’s also offers an Apple Juice Box in their Happy Meal and an Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on their breakfast menu.
