Fact Check: Is the Purple Apple from Saskatchewan real or fake? Viral images spark amazement online

Recently, a picture of vibrant purple apples garnered severe traction on social media platforms, sparking amazement among users. It was first shared on Facebook by a person named Marian Spencer on September 11.

“The Purple Apple, originating from Saskatchewan, Canada, thrives in its chilly climate, boasting a flavor profile reminiscent of cinnamon and banana. Sometimes referred to as ‘Canadian Grapes,’” part of the caption read.

The post further claimed that the fruit, with its “vibrant purple exterior” and “richly colored interior,” is used as the primary ingredient of purple applesauce, a delicacy among Saskatchewan natives.

However, the now-viral image has turned out to be fake and was seemingly created using artificial intelligence, as per the Best Lagos website, which also confirmed that the user Marian Spencer is “known for generating and sharing AI-created plants and flowers.”

---

The Purple Apples from Saskatchewan, Canada, are not real

Last week, pictures of apples with dark purple exteriors and lilac interiors went viral first on Facebook and later circulated on other social media platforms.

Posted originally by Marian Spencer, it claimed that the fruit was called the Purple Apple or Canadian Grape and was native to the frigid Saskatchewan region of Canada and that it tasted like cinnamon and banana.

“Their vibrant purple exterior hides a richly colored interior, making them prized ingredients, particularly in the creation of purple applesauce, celebrated by indigenous Saskatchewan peoples. This culinary tradition not only signifies cultural heritage but also fosters community unity and pride,” the post continued.

It further went on to add:

“With their health benefits and potential economic impact, purple apples serve as a symbol of resilience and connection to the land, embodying the rich tapestry of Saskatchewan’s cultural and culinary heritage.”

The post, which gained severe attention with over 85,000 reactions, 6,900 comments, and 41,000 shares at the time of writing, has, however, turned out to be fabricated and unfounded, with the pictures of the purple-colored apple most likely computer-generated.

Meanwhile, according to the Best Lagos website, Marian Spencer, who identifies herself as a nature lover on her Facebook bio, is known for sharing AI-made pictures of fruits and flowers and giving them the appearance of being exotic.

Not only that, but several users commented under Spencer’s post and confirmed that Saskatchewan has no such purple apples. For instance, Calynda Triffo who lives in Regina, Saskatchewan wrote:

“I assure you, the apples grown here are not purple and definitely don’t taste anything like bananas.”

Another user named Mostofa Kamal Palash also dismissed the images by writing:

“I have been living in Saskatchewan for 6 years and have never seen this apple.”

Cecilia Jean even insisted that all of Canada did not have such a fruit, adding that she has traveled all across it in the apple season. Facebook user Carson Gillis even slammed the original post-creator for “lying” about the purple apples’ “cultural significance,” referring to it as “stupid” and “offensive.”

Besides, a Saskatchewan-based website called CJME also clarified that such a fruit does not exist in real life. Experts Jill and Rick Van Duyvendyk sat for a Q&A session on the program Garden Talk on 650 CKOM and 980 CJME on Sunday, September 15, and noted:

“Users of AI can create images that look real. People bring in a picture and ask us to order the plant but it doesn’t actually exist. I don’t think purple apples exist.”

They also asked people to be careful about online misinformation and explained how such fake posts are affecting the horticulture industry and are often a topic at the World Congress.

Notably, the closest-looking fruit to the now-viral fake purple-shaded apples is the Black Diamond Apple (Malus Domestica) which is native to the small mountain city of Nyingchi, Tibet.

It is a rare variety of apples which are alternatively called Chinese Red Delicious or Huaniu. Its exterior is plum or often black colored, while the insides are white, and the flavor is “bold, sweet” as per the Country Living website.

Arkansas Black Apple, King David Apple, and Black Oxford Apple are also some of the unique dark-shaded apples that are grown around the world.