The chemical analysis of over 250 apple varieties identified a unique New Zealand seedling - the Monty's Surprise apple as the best in the world for human health. This apple contains very high levels of procyanidins as well as quercetin flavonoid compounds. In vitro cancer testing conducted in France and Australia on this variety has shown its potent effectiveness at inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and can be eaten as a preventative measure to reduce the incidence of disease in the human body.
New Zealand has lost more than 95% of the apple varieties that were grown in the early 1900's. Modern commercial varieties come from 6 main cultivars that have produced hybrids that can be commercially patented and controlled by huge food multinational. According to these companies, how it sits on the supermarket shelf is more important than the human health benefits.