Gyeongbuk Sangju Apples, Certified as Korea's Best Quality

2021 Korea Fruit Industry Expo Grand Prize

Sangju apples won the grand prize at the 2021 Korea Fruit Industry Expo. The photo shows Rubies, the same variety as the exhibited apples.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Sangju apples from Gyeongbuk were recognized for their excellent quality at the 2021 Korea Fruit Industry Expo.

Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and jointly organized by the Korea Fruit Farmers Cooperative Association and the Korea Forest Service, the Korea Fruit Industry Expo accepted applications in August and conducted evaluations.

The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, Rural Development Administration, distributors, and consumers conducted visual inspections of the submitted agricultural products, assessing appearance, gloss, and taste, as well as instrumental tests to measure sugar content and firmness.

Among 143 farms specializing in fruit and forest products showcasing their quality, the apples of Mr. Jeong Seong-gyu from Cheongri-myeon, Sangju City, won the grand prize.

Sangju City cultivates apples using eco-friendly farming methods in the mid-mountainous area with large temperature differences between day and night, spanning approximately 621 hectares across 1,158 farms.

The apples are characterized by their high juice content, sugar levels 1 to 2 degrees higher than apples produced in other regions, bright color, and thin skin.

The Sangju apples submitted to this Fruit Industry Expo are the ‘Rubies’ variety, a hybrid between the Alps Otome apple and the fruit of the hawthorn tree.

The name Rubies combines ‘Ruby,’ meaning red gemstone, and the ‘S’ from ‘Small,’ indicating its small size. Rubies are mini apples that can be eaten with the skin on, gaining popularity among single-person households, school meal centers, and as snacks for children.

Mayor Kang Young-seok said, “We appreciate the hard work of farmers producing premium fruits despite rapid climate changes,” adding, “We will do our best to support the production of high-quality agricultural products by modernizing production infrastructure.”