I have some interesting information to share. All apples that you buy at major supermarkets (Overwaitea, Save-On, IGA, Superstore, Safeway, etc) that are BC apples are 2nd rate apples. BC's best apples get exported to places like New Zealand. In New Zealand, it's the stame story, they get our best apples, and we get their best apples. WHY? Profits, my dear friends. Kinda makes it hard to wanna support the local economy when you know you're getting the bottom of the barrel. There was always something about waxed apples that made me reject them, and that was before I realized that they use animal products in the wax. Wax extends shelf life. Check this out, the waxed apples that you buy today were probably picked in.... September!!! Yup, yum yum, fresh apples, only 4-5 months old. This is only waxed apples though. So by necessity, organic apples are on average, much fresher than waxed apples, even if the organic apple is strated to get soft. To get the best apples, you have to buy them at farmer's markets or directly from the farm. Or steal them off your neighbour's apple trees. Guaranteed freshness and most likely organic, and free too!