The brown flesh around the core may have been caused by a fungus such as Alternaria sp.that entered through the calyx early in the fruit's development. The condition, called moldy core, often cannot be detected until the fruit is harvested and cut. Here is a note about moldy core from the University of Massachusetts Apple Team: "Moldy Core: This disease causes a rot with visible fungal growth in the seed cavity and core of some apple cultivars, particularly Delicious and McIntosh. In storage, the rot may spread into the flesh of the fruit. While alternaria is commonly isolated from moldy core apples, other fungi are also associated with the disease. Sometimes, moldy core disease will cause fruit to redden during July or August. More frequently, fruit don't show symptoms and are harvested. In storage, the rot may worsen. The infection is believed to move into the calyx when it remains open, and prolonged wetting occurs."

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