Lady Alice Apples are One of The Newest Apple Varietals Consumers Eagerly Anticipate Each Winter

SELAH, Wash., Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the hottest new apples in the marketplace is arriving in grocery stores in the next few weeks. Lady Alice® brand apples are quickly becoming the most eagerly anticipated apple each winter. As regional varieties begin to disappear from store shelves, the Lady Alice arrives with peak flavor and texture. Discovered as a chance seedling in the orchards of Eastern Washington, over the past six years production of this apple has increased as its appeal with consumers has taken off. Lady Alice will be available February through May, or while supplies last at many major and independent grocery retailers.  

"The Lady Alice apple is a welcome addition for consumers who love apples and are looking for something new in the late winter and spring. Its delicious sweet bite offers a hint of tartness that lingers on the palate," said Suzanne Wolter, Rainier spokesperson.  "We've been enjoying their exceptional flavor this week and everyone has been commenting that this is the best flavored crop we have harvested yet!"

The rarity of a chance seedling creating an apple that is quickly becoming a national favorite is a story in itself. It was discovered quite by chance on a farm near Gleed, Washington in 1978 when a grower accidentally cut an apple tree with his farm equipment. A chance seedling grew from the base and over the next 25 years, steps were taken to preserve and propagate the distinctive characteristics of the Lady Alice. The Lady Alice® brand apple is named after Alice Zirkle, the co-founder of Rainier Fruit Company in honor of her memory.

What consumers really love is Lady Alice's flavor and cooking qualities. The heirloom-like Lady Alice apple is similar to a fine wine – flavorful and complex. The apples are harvested in the fall, stored and sold to consumers at their flavor peak. They are characterized by pinkish red striped over a banana-yellow background and sweet, crisp, dense flesh with a hint of tartness. The density of the apple leaves those who eat them feeling satisfyingly filled after enjoying one.

The versatile Lady Alice apple is an excellent choice for snacking, baking and cooking. The Lady Alice can also be used in a variety of cooking and baking recipes. Its distinctively sturdy flesh helps the apple retain its texture when heated at high temperatures. Just like fresh cherries, the Lady Alice apple has a short season, yielding a limited supply of this delectable fruit.

"We at Rainier strive to grow only the highest quality fruit – the Lady Alice apple offers versatility, while maintaining a unique quality we have been committed to for more than a century," adds Wolter.

The Lady Alice apple contributes to a healthy lifestyle and compliments a variety of recipes. According to the USDA, apples are among the top 20 foods with the highest antioxidant content per serving. Rich in antioxidants, apples may help boost weight loss and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

For other delicious and healthy recipe ideas including: Lady Alice apple squash soup, roasted halibut with apple chutney, apple pancakes with apple cider syrup, curried chicken salad with apples and almonds, please visit: www.rainierfruit.com.

Rainier Fruit Company is the exclusive supplier of the Lady Alice apple. Lady Alice will be available at select locations throughout the United States. While supplies last, consumers can find a store nearest to them by accessing the Lady Alice Store Locator: www.rainierfruit.com.

About Rainier Fruit Company
Rainier Fruit Company is one of the largest growers of fresh apples, pears, cherries and blueberries in the United States. For more than 100 years, Rainier Fruit Company has been growing premium Northwest fruit that consistently appeals to consumers. The company is committed to growing the highest quality of fruit, while running their business honestly, ethically and efficiently. For additional information about Rainier Fruit Company and the Lady Alice apple please visit: www.RainierFruit.com.

SOURCE Rainier Fruit Company