The apple is a usually sweet fruit produced on trees also known botanically as Malus Domestica. The apple can be consumed in its raw form cooked or commonly juiced and is an ingredient in many recipes, especially desserts.

Preservation of apples and apple products include canned, dried or frozen. Canned or frozen apples are usually used in baked products such as pies or pastries. Apple juice either concentrated or fresh and cider are also very common methods of preservation and consumption.

There are two types of common apple allergy. Birch-apple syndrome or birch apple allergy is often found in northern Europe and is found in people who are usually allergic to birch tree pollen.

The allergic reactions are triggered by the protein in apples that is similar to birch pollen. Sufferers of this apple allergy also commonly are affected by other fruit and vegetable allergies. This reaction will only occur when raw fruit is consumed as the allergen is neutralized during the cooking process. Variety of the apple, storage condition and length of time stored can change the amount of allergen present.

Populations around the Mediterranean regions are recorded to have reactions to apples due to their similarity to peaches. An apple allergy of this nature has more severe symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal pain and can be dangerous. It should also be noted that cooking does not break down the protein causing this particular reaction. Freshly harvested, over-ripe fruits tend to have the highest levels of the protein that causes this reaction.

Apple sensitivity or intolerance is where a person presents various digestive symptoms after the consumption of apple products. A less severe condition than an allergy, this condition can still be uncomfortable and embarrassing for the individual. Often, people encounter digestive issues concerning the enzymes in apples, especially when eaten raw. Processed apple products appear to have a lesser impact on an individual’s digestion.

Symptoms of apple intolerance or apple sensitivity include:

  Bloating
  Diarrhea
  Tiredness
  Gas