New kanzi and greenstar apples breaking into the Australian market
Both were bred in Belgium and are now growing across the country, including Victoria.
Greenstars, the first 100 per cent non-browning apples, are a cross between a granny smith and a delbarestivale apple.
The apples are green, sweet, juicy, have a thin skin and have the highest vitamin C content of any apple, which helps keep them naturally white for days after cutting.
The kanzi is the number one apple sold in Europe and is bright red and crunchy, with a long shelf life — a cross between a gala and braeburn apple.
Growers are steadily planting more trees to meet demand; 800 tonnes of kanzi and 360 tonnes of greenstar were produced last year.
There are 51 growers nationally, with just eight in Victoria.
Mornington Peninsula grower Mark Paganoni started planting greenstars and kanzis eight years ago on a trial basis, and now he is the biggest grower in Victoria.
He produces 100 tonnes of kanzi and 60 tonnes of greenstar a year.
“The trees are very high-yielding and double production each year on every block,” Mr Paganoni said.
Mr Paganoni calls the greenstar a “real thirst quencher” because of its juiciness, and says the kanzi has a more refined flavour, with some tartness and good crunch.
“The greenstar has been a little bit harder to market because at first people see it as an alternative to a granny smith,” he said.
“Kanzis have been easier to get people to take up because they’re a new red apple, and it has such a bright colour.
“In discussion with consumers, the kanzi has actually prompted people who don’t buy apples to buy them.”
In an interview with Apple and Pear Australia Ltd, Australian Produce Group national manager for fresh produce Chris Marks said the kanzi was probably one of the best apples in both eating and appearance.
“Last year was a little difficult with the weather,” he said.
“We saw some heat before harvest and that variety didn’t hold up under that stress as well as we’d hoped.”
“But this year the crop is looking great, so fingers crossed kanzi takes of this year and that it really delivers.”
“If growers have some spare land, then I’d suggest they throw some kanzi in there as well — anything with a higher colour is worth a go.”
Kanzi and greenstar apples are in season until July.
The apples are available at Costco, Woolworths, Thomas Dux and some independent greengrocers.
Source: www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/
