/oss/taxonomy/term/4202/all en /oss/article/nutrition-you-asked/can-one-rotten-apple-really-spoil-whole-barrel <p>Is there any truth to the expression, "one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel"? You bet. Because once an apple is rotten or has physical damage, (ie a bruise), it produces ethylene, which in turn leads to a slightly increased internal temperature causing a breakdown of chlorophyll and the synthesis of other pigments. The starch in the fruit is converted to simple sugars and at the same time, pectin, a component of fiber that cements the cell walls together, begins to disintegrate thereby softening the tissue.</p> Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:49:43 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8026 at /oss