New research shows the burgundy apple has one of the highest levels of flavonoids in Australia
Bravo marketer WA Farm Direct has enlisted the help of health professionals to draw attention to the fruit’s health benefits as the 2025 season wraps up.
“As we come to the end of the season, there’s an opportunity for retailers to position Bravo as the ‘heart-healthy apple’ and feature across nutritional or wellness campaigns to give health-conscious shoppers a functional food choice to boost their health,” said WA Farm Direct managing director Jenny Mercer.
Industry and government-funded scientific research shows Bravo apples are one of the highest flavonoid-rich apples grown in Australia.
“We always knew the Bravo apple was out of the box for taste and appearance. Scientific evidence confirms its high-antioxidant content gives it a powerful new purpose by helping fight free radicals which are a key factor in cardiovascular health,” Mercer said.
“Given that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia and worldwide, encouraging people to eat more Bravo apples may be a simple and economic way of making a positive contribution to heart health in Australia.”
Australian nutritionist Casey-Lee Lyons, who is working with WA Farm Direct to educate consumers about the apple’s healthy attributes, said Bravo apples stand out for their levels of natural flavonoids.
“Research shows these flavonoids help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, reduce cholesterol, and decrease inflammation, all of which help protect against cardiovascular disease,” Lyons said.
“What makes Bravo apples especially effective is the synergy between these high levels of flavonoids and their natural fibre content, which together enhance absorption and support gut and heart health more than either alone.”
Ongoing research by Ruey Leng Loo at the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC) at Murdoch University in Perth, is looking at the benefits of eating a Bravo a day, with results are expected by the end of the year.
According to WA Farm Direct, Bravo apples will be available across Australia until Christmas week.
“Bravo apples have gained much ground among east coast consumers this year since record volumes became available from May and there’s more awareness of Bravo being a go-to health option,” Mercer said. “They will be back on shelves in a big way again next winter.”
