In time for autumn cooking and the Easter holidays,
the Kanzi apple season is kicking off this March.
Only a 12-week season, the red apple is landing
on Australian grocery shelves fresh from Australian
orchards.
The Kanzi has been planted in more than 30 orchards from Queensland to Western Australia to Tasmania and plenty of places in between, and growers think it might soon become Australia’s favourite.
The world’s third best-selling apple, and number one in Europe, the Kanzi in Australia is never frozen or stored.
“It’s a great apple to grow and even better to eat,” said grower Ian Cathels from Ardrossan Orchards in Batlow.
“We hand pick and package the Kanzi and the key is to pick them at the exact point of ripeness. It has been a pretty hot season across most of Australia this year, so they’re actually coming to market several weeks before we expected. Regardless, they taste great.”
Originating in European orchards more than two decades ago, the Kanzi is a cross of the classic, juicy Gala and the tangy, sweet Braeburn giving a well-balanced sweet and sour flavour.
The first trial planting of the Kanzi trees in Australia was in 2005, followed by the first commercial plantings in 2007 and 2008. In 2010, Australian growers harvested the first fruit available for commercial sale.
The demand for these apples is growing at an incredible rate according to Nicole Giblett of Newton Bros Orchards in W.A..
“Last year, just over an additional 100,000 trees were planted for Kanzi. This year, we are on track to plant another 90,000 trees in 2016,” said Giblett.
“Although we have more apples available this year than last, close to double the volume in fact, we also have significant interest from retailers and expect to sell out within the 12-week season. “
Kanzi apples are available now in Woolworths, Costco, IGA and independent retailers nationwide, Coles in NSW, VIC and WA, and in NSW, Aldi stores.
To follow Kanzi apples in Australia, visit the Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/kanziandgreenstarapples.
For two delicious recipes created with Kanzi apples and recipe imagery by Amanda Michetti from Chew Town, please visit bit.ly/1pVwfBM.
For more information:
Samantha Stalling
Liquid Ideas
