INDIANA ORCHARD OWNER CREATES `DESIGNER APPLES'

INDIANA ORCHARD OWNER CREATES `DESIGNER APPLES'

DENVER, Ind. (Wireless Flash) -- Apples are going high class thanks to an Indiana farmer who's created "designer apples." Apple grower Steve Doud has perfected a process that allows a company logo or personal message to be emblazoned on the skin of a apple as the fruit grows. Here's how it works: Doud places a special sticker on the apple before it's completely ripe. As the sun darkens the skin of the apple, the area under the sticker remains light. When the sticker is removed, the logo is permanently marked on the surface of the apple. However, just like designer clothes, the designer apples ain't cheap: the process bumps the price of each apple from about 15 cents to about $1. So far Dowd says the raciest designer apple he's created is the one that says "Bite Me."

CONTACT: Steve Doud, ***1/2; Denver, IN; (765) 985-3937