27
Jan
Fresh Catalan Apples are delicious, one of the most popular and favorite fruits. This beautiful fruit full of rich phytonutrients that, in the real sense, are indispensable for Health.
It also has certain antioxidants that have disease prevention properties.
The apple harvest in Catalonia will increase by 11%, according to the data prepared by Afrucado in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
Specifically, in volume apple production throughout Catalonia is expected to stand at 308,720 tonnes, 30,950 more than in 2015.
Of these, 221,930 are expected to be collected in Lleida and 83,600 tonnes in Girona, figures that represent an increase of 13 and 6%, respectively, compared to last year’s harvest.
With respect to Barcelona and Tarragona, apple production is also expected to increase, and in the first will grow by 3%, with 1,660 tonnes and the second, 6%, with 1,530 tonnes.
At the varietal level, the increases in the Fuji group (26%), Gala and Summer (16%) and Granny Smith and Golden (12% and 10% each) ).
” At present, Catalonia has requested to remove more than 3,000 tonnes of apple, welcomed the procedure of the European Commission which says that it will allocate to Spain an additional quota to remove the fruit from the market and, thus, to be able to face the low prices that suffers the sector.
The Apple of Lleida
The orographic and insolation peculiarities of the orchard of Lleida are a positive element for the production of this fruit sweet, increasingly oriented to the cultivation of quality, what the prestige of apples.
In Lleida there are many apple varieties with the most outstanding ones being Golden, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith and various modalities of red apple like the Reineta. We work under the rigorous conditions of cultivation and selection, which means that the greater part of the production corresponds to the Extra and I categories, of great caliber, maturity in the harvesting and conservation techniques without aggressive for the product.
The Apple of Girona
Growing apples in Girona is an ancient tradition, along with nectarines, peaches and pears, but the apples really thrive.
Chef Joan Roca says: “the quality of Catalan products and more specifically, those of Girona, like apples are the reason why my creations are what son and why they have had such recognition.” “I like to emphasize Territoriality in my kitchen”.
Another innovative use is in apple sauce, in Joan Roca’s restaurant, for sea bass: remove the peel (and pulp) from Granny Smiths apples, then reduce until the sauce is dense; Incorporate olive oil a little at a time until emulsified. Simple, sharp and smooth.
Most apples of Girona are grown in an area known as the Ampurdán, with an ideal apple growing climate: sunny and humid in the summer months, but for the rest of the year cooled by the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
The soil, on the other hand, is formed by rivers and fluvial deposits and has optimal drainage.
The place itself is the most significant factor in the quality of apples.
Four of the most important apple varieties currently on the market are – Golden and Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Royal Gala – the best varied.
The cultivars are constantly improving and intercross to obtain better color, sweetness and juiciness.
The northern apple, the Reineta
An apple that does not need to cross at all is the incredibly good Reineta, much better than the same variety produced elsewhere.
Growth conditions are, once again, the main reason for exceptional quality.
The Reineta simply marks what must be a perfect apple, you’re going to eat until there’s nothing left.
Fresh Catalan Apples and their Colors
” Green apples are rich in: lutein (potassium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, fiber, vitamins C and K and folic acid (very important before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal malformations).
” Red apples contain vitamin C, magnesium and many phytochemicals, such as lycopene and anthocyanins, pigments responsible for the color of the fruit and helping it to have a better cardiovascular health, maintain a good memory or reduce the risks of cancer and Diseases of the urinary system
” The yellow color of apples are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium and folic acid, which improve cardiovascular health, immune system and skin. They help good vision, healing, m