There are three things that determine the quality and taste of an apple, according to the Journal of Zhejiang University's Science Department: hardness, sugar content and acidity. Some varieties of apples are sweeter than others. The amount of sugar in apples varies, depending on several factors.
Significance
Apples are considered to be healthy, even though they contain sugar. Fruits like apples contain natural sugars, mostly fructose. According to Oregon State University, the fructose in apples gives you energy and helps your body process nutrients more efficiently.
Size
Apples come in many sizes and colors. A medium apple, which is about the size of a tennis ball and weighs 5.5 oz., contains about 15 g sugar, according to the California Apple Commission. Smaller apples average about 3 oz., and large apples are about 8 oz. The amount of sugar varies with size but also with variety.
Types
Some apple varieties have more sugar than others. Fuji and Honeycrisp apples are very sweet. Common Golden and Red Delicious apples have mid-range sweetness. Apples like Granny Smith, known for their tartness, require granulated sugar to be added when making applesauce because they lack the natural sugar and sweetness.
Considerations
Apples are considered to be a superior snack by the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, and the American Dietetic Association. The two groups have published a joint meal-plan guideline, and they list one serving of apple, 1/2 cup of applesauce or 4 to 6 oz. apple juice as one fruit exchange. The ADA's "My Food Advisor" lists one serving of sliced apple as 9 g sugar.
Benefits
The Ohio Apple Grower's Association notes that the natural sugar in apples is slowly released into the bloodstream due to the high fiber content of the fruit. This helps maintain a steady blood-sugar level. Diabetics should check with their doctor for individual dietary guidelines concerning fruit and sugar.
References
- Apple Products Research & Education Council: Nutritional Benefits of Apple Products
- Ohio Apples: Apple Nutrition Facts
- Washington Apples: Nutrition Facts
- California Apple Commission: Apple Healthy Guide
- Oregon State: Why Apples Are Healthful
- Zhejiang University: Meausrement of Sugar Content in Fuji Apples
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