Fruit and vegetables from Europe deliver flavour and first-rate quality
When the weather gets colder and locally grown produce becomes more scarce, Canadian consumers look for imported fruit and vegetables they know are safe and tasty alternatives. Increasingly they’re looking to fruit and vegetables from the European Union to fill that gap.
For retailers, produce from Europe offers a consistent and transparent supply, a rich variety of choice, and strong consumer appeal, making them best sellers during the winter months. Now Freshfel Europe, Interfel, and protected designation of origin (PDO) Kaki Ribera del Xúquer are proud to offer apples, leeks, shallots from France, and kakis from Spain.
Grown with care, European produce meets strict standards and certifications, with an emphasis on premium quality, scientifically-based health and nutrition benchmarks, sustainability through the European Green Deal, and farm-to-fork traceability. Consumers also recognize that European growers follow a number of environmental initiatives, including biocontrol and biological protection techniques to reduce chemical inputs, and improved water, soil and resource management techniques in order to meet High Environmental Value farm certifications.
Apples, leeks and shallots from France are available throughout the winter, offering an assortment of fresh, in-season selections. Thanks to its unique climate and soil, France offers more than 100 apple varieties, with a range of flavours and uses to satisfy every consumer. French apples also carry the Eco-friendly Orchards label, meaning consumers can count on their premium-quality, nutrition and unsurpassed taste.
European leeks are another seasonal choice known for their versatility and flavour, with more white, edible stalk compared to other leeks. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fibre, leeks add a subtle, sweet-savoury taste to winter stocks, soups and casseroles.
Shallots are a variety of onion, and feature a coppery outer skin and white to pink flesh that is firm and savoury. Because they peel easily and blend perfectly with other ingredients, shallots are a convenient option chopped for use in salads, sauces and vinaigrettes, or cooked in main dishes, adding a delicate yet distinct flavour and aroma. Shallots also offer anti-inflammatory properties, so are an excellent choice during Canadian winters.
From October to January, consumers can enjoy colourful kaki varieties from Spain, including Rojo Brillante, grown under the protected designation of origin (PDO) Kaki Ribera del Xúquer.
Although the traditional astringent varieties found on the market must ripen until soft and red before eating, these kakis offer a firm, crunchy flesh that can be enjoyed like an apple. This ready-to-eat texture is unique and helps avoid the common misconception that firm kakis are unripe. Rich in vitamins, calcium, and minerals, they make an ideal winter dessert or snack.
This winter look for fruit and vegetables from Europe – your customers will thank you!
Learn more at www.persimon.eu/en (PDO Kaki Ribera del Xúquer) and www.interfel.com (The French interprofessional organization for fresh fruits and vegetables).
Follow us on Instagram @fruitvegfromfr and on LinkedIn at Fruit And Veg From France – Interfel.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
