Smart food marketers and fresh produce company Montague released their new apple, the Smitten, on Valentine's Day this year. The Smitten apple is a blend of Gala, Braeburn, Falstaff and Fiesta varieties that was bred in New Zealand about 15 years ago.
According to apple grower Brad Fankhauser, it’s a perfect early season apple that is “hard as an apple should be. While a lot of the galas coming on the market now are a bit soft the Smitten has just the right crunch, just as an apple should be.”
It had been a great growing season with flavour and colour now coming into the apples. The Fankhauser farm has only been producing Smitten apples for two years, with a five-year tree lead-up. The Smitten crop is expecting to increase by 20,000 cartons this season.
According to Montague, as industry innovators, the company continues to invest in the research and development of new apple brands. "In its third season, Smitten represents the company’s latest success, and is already a firm favourite amongst consumers looking for a refreshing summer apple treat.”
Source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au
