I Love Me Some French Apples

I Love Me Some French Apples! Earlier, I attended an event by INTERFEL (Interbranch Association for Fresh French Fruit and Vegetables) where it introduces French's produce to Malaysia.

What? France also produce apples? Not only grapes? 

I had the same question and it is great that I attended the event as INTERFEL seeks to increase public awareness of French growers' dedication to environmentally responsible and sustainable techniques in their produce, not only grapes ya. 

France Is A Major Apple Producer

True fact: Owing to its varied weather and advantageous geographic location, France is a major producer of premium apples. 

Of the thousands of apple types that exist in the globe, about 100 grow well in French orchards, and about 30 are farmed commercially. Royal Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady®, Kissabel®, Pixie®, Candine®, and Juliet® are a few of the most widely accessible types in Malaysia. And fret not. These variants will be offered from December 2023 to March 2024 at our local big retailers including Aeon and Lotus. 

The remarkable weather that France's orchards have experienced in the spring and summer portends an apple harvest that is not only colourful but also incredibly crisp, gorgeous, and delectable. Expect a bumper crop; France is expected to produce 1.5 million tonnes, up 8% from the previous year. Despite the fact that just 11 million tonnes of apples are scheduled to be harvested throughout Europe, France is the continent's third-largest producer of apples, after Italy and Poland. 

Promoting Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Practices

Beyond the abundance, INTERFEL is dedicated to promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices among French growers.

French apple growers have used an environmentally conscious production method for more than 20 years in an effort to produce high-quality, flavorful, and nutritious fruits. Their dedication goes beyond simple farming; it includes applying eco-friendly techniques that protect biodiversity in orchards and uphold the financial stability of fruit farms. For these growers, there is more to sustainability than just orchards. It includes all-encompassing procedures like careful pollination techniques, effective waste management, and biocontrol strategies. This all-encompassing strategy highlights their commitment to producing excellent crops and preserving the environment for future generations.

In a very inspiring move, almost 1,300 French apple producers who have earned certification as "Eco-friendly orchards" have committed themselves to the noble goal of producing French apples that are not only delicious but also good for the environment and your health. 

Chef Patrick Siau Wows The Crowd with Apples

A culinary demonstration led by Chef Patrick Siau, a professor at Sunway University's School of Hospitality Service Management and coach of the Malaysia Pastry Team, which won the title of "World Pastry Champion" in the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and was given the Vase de Sèvres prize for "Best Dégustation" by the President of the French Republic, was part of INTERFEL's media event on December 15 to introduce the quality and diversity of the French varieties as well as the process of responsible farming. 

He presented the crowd with three pastries, which uses the French apples as its main ingredients. He confessed that he likes eating Candine® and prefers to use Kissabel® in his pastries and cooking.

He even made the pastries in small sizes (just to be elegant, I'll call them Hors d'oeuvre) for each attendees, right before we were served with the menu of the day.

And guess what? Each dish has apple incorporated into it. And all tastes good. Just as the motto says 'Good for the Earth, Good for You'. 

It was yummy good.

Learn more about France via Instagram and X.  

#enjoyitsfromeurope #frenchapples #fruitvegfromfrance #RawlinsEats #RawlinsLifestyle #RawlinsGLAM