Bravo apples have returned to east coast supermarket shelves for winter, promoted as delivering “hard-to-beat crunch, flavour and heart-health benefits”.

Backed by scientific research, premium “slow-to-brown” Bravo apples are claimed to be increasingly finding a place in consumers’ fruit bowls and lunchboxes.

Grown around Australia, the apples are said to be revered for their “distinctive burgundy blush, exceptional sweetness, crisp texture and ability to remain white long after being cut”. These attributes were recognised last September when Bravo apples were named Best Fresh Snack in the 2025 Healthy Food Guide Awards Australia. Earlier this year, the apples were awarded the fresh and chilled category winner in the 2026 Healthy Food Guide Lunchbox Awards Australia.

WA Farm Direct Managing Director Jenny Mercer says the awards reinforce the apples’ position as an essential daily staple for health-conscious families.

“Bravo apples are a great lunch box addition or anytime snack. Thanks to the high concentration of natural antioxidants in Bravo apples, the white flesh stays bright, clean, and appetising for hours after being sliced. They can be cut in half or into wedges the night before or first thing in the morning, packed into the lunch box and will still look and taste fresh and vibrant by lunchtime,” she continues.

“They’re also perfect for grazing serving suggestions such charcuterie boards where their dark burgundy skin complements meats and cheeses, and they look freshly cut even after sitting for a while. Their natural sweetness makes them a clean, desk-friendly, playground-friendly snack that is a great alternative to processed snacks.

“Bravo apples also have a satisfying, ultra-crisp snap when you bite into them, so they are less prone to bruising than softer varieties.”

Good for the heart

Promoted as being “packed” with antioxidants and “boasting an impressive connection” to heart health, industry and government-funded scientific research shows Bravo apples are one of the “highest” flavonoid-rich apples grown in Australia.

Extensive peer-backed research into Bravo apples’ nutritional profile outlined in the Bravo Health Report shows flavonoids (including quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin and anthocyanins) are concentrated in the skin while chlorogenic acid – which plays a key role in regulating how bodies metabolise sugar and fat – is found in both the burgundy skin and flesh.

The research was collaboratively funded by a contingent of industry and government entities, including the Bravo apple grower-co-op, Fruit West Co-operative, the West Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through Horticultural Innovation Australia, the Agricultural Produce Commission, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and The Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation.

Ongoing clinical research led by Dr Ruey Leng Loo at the Australian National Phenome Centre at Murdoch University in Perth, is conducting human medical trials into the benefits of eating two Bravo apples a day.

Availability

Bravo apples are now available at leading east coast supermarkets and independent retail outlets until December. Volumes of premium grade fruit have increased about 10% on last season.

“Fruit quality has been exceptional with good colour and sweetness achieved around the country,” says Ms Mercer.