Change in Japanese apples blamed on global warming (LA Times)

Global warming has subtly altered the taste and texture of Japanese apples over the last 40 years, although consumers may not realize it, according to new research.

A study published in Scientific Reports concluded that climate change was likely responsible for earlier apple tree blooms and warmer growing seasons in Japan, as well as softer and less acidic apples.

"The taste and textural attributes of apples in the market are undergoing change from a long-term perspective, even though consumers might not perceive these subtle changes," wrote lead study author Toshihiko Sugiura, a fruit tree researcher at Japan's National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.

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