Pit Grayish-brown to black sunken areas or pits on the surface of apple fruits are symptoms of a familiar malady known as bitter pit. This disorder initiates in the orchard. The potential for pitting is influenced by weather conditions, farming practices and crop load.
Bitter pit can affect all apple cultivars from every area of the world where apples are grown.
Bitter pit is not caused by microbial pathogens or insects. The pits result from a highly localized mineral imbalance in cells just below the fruit skin. Bitter pit will not spread from one fruit to another. Although it is considered unattractive, a small amount of bitter pit does not detract from the edibility or safety of the fruit. Simply remove the visible pits and underlying corky tissue with a paring knife.