By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

At a time when the novel coronavirus outbreak and other health concerns have people worldwide on edge, the Washington Apple Commission (WAC) wants to remind everyone that an apple is a handy, easy-to-carry, nutritious food that can not only provide quick energy and fiber, but also an array of micronutrients that can help shore up the body’s natural defenses.

“Apples are one of nature’s perfect foods,” said WAC representative in Mexico Juan Carlos Moreira in a press conference to promote the fruit on Tuesday, March 4.

“It is tasty, portable and full of good nutrition.”

The Washington Apple Commission which represents about 1,200 apple growers in the northwestern U.S. state (the largest producer of apples in that country, representing 65 percent of all apple grown in the United States), produces about 150 million boxes (300 million metric tons) each year, of which about a third are exported abroad.

“Mexico is our largest international market,” Moreira said. “In fact, about a third of our sales abroad are to Mexico.”

Moreira went on to explain that while Mexico does produce apples (mostly in the northern state of Chihuahua, but also in Durango, Puebla, Coahuila and New León), its crop levels (about 58,000 metric tons) do not meet the country’s demand, which is why it is a net importer of the fruit.

Notwithstanding, he said, at roughly 2.5 kilos a year, the annual per capita consumption of apples in Mexico is less than a third of that the United States.

“For years, your mother has been telling you that an apple a day will keep the doctor away,” Moreira said. “And an apple is always a tastier and healthier alternative to junk food.”

A single large apple contains 20 percent of your body’s recommended daily fiber, 8 percent of its recommended antioxidant vitamin C and 7 percent of its daily potassium requirements, all with only 130 calories and no fats, no sodium and no cholesterol.

To help promote apple consumption in Mexico — and particularly the six varieties of apples that Washington sells here (Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp and Fuji) — the WAC has just launched a nationwide commercial campaign called “Life Is Easier with Apples,” showcasing how the fruit has played a role in human history since time immortal (starting with that infamous apple that Eve allegedly used to tempt Adam).

A short campaign video produced in Mexico is currently being broadcast in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Querétaro and Tijuana