Based in Vertou in the Loire-Atlantique region, the Coteaux Nantais family business, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, grows nearly 35 varieties of organic apples: from the famous Braeburn, Gala, Fuji, Golden, and Jonagold to the Pirouette, Reinette des Côteaux, Patte de Loup and Délis d'Or. In addition to apples, the farm produces 7 varieties of pears, quince, strawberries, kiwis, and several varieties of vegetables. The company cultivates 103 hectares of biodynamic crops with an average volume of 2,000 tons of fruit per year. Exhibiting at Natexpo, its general manager, Noah Courtial, reported on the beginning of the apple season. It was also an opportunity to present the "Taste Radar", a new product launched at the beginning of the year.
Noah Courtial at Natexpo Lyon 2022
A rather positive year in term of taste
Like many fruit growers in the region, the Coteaux Nantais had to deal with the various climatic hazards that followed one another over the months: frost, hail, and drought. But for Noah Courtial the year is not as bad as all that. "For this apple campaign, we are on a year of negative alternation and finally we are doing rather well in terms of organoleptic quality". The farm also suffered from drought in August and September. "The apples are smaller in size but the sugar levels have risen sharply and the taste is very good".
A taste that the Coteaux Nantais wished to "list" to enhance the specificities of each variety.
Taste radar: drawing up a sensory profile of apples
At the beginning of the year, the Coteaux Nantais launched the Radar du goût (Taste Radar). "It is like an apple identity card for the general public! An innovative project initiated in 2020 aimed at guiding consumers on the profile and use of each apple. "Each variety is tasted to identify its main characteristics: smell, texture, and aroma. The goal is to develop a sensory profile for each apple, similar to what already exists for wine and certain oils." To do this, the team was trained in sensory analysis by students from the Rennes Agronomic Institute.
The data collected is entered into a software program that will map and draw up a sensory profile: floral or red fruit aroma, crunchiness, acidity, and juiciness...
In addition to its fresh fruit, the company is committed to the circular economy since it transforms all its grading differences into purees, juices, and cider vinegar. Coteaux Nantais products can be found in local organic networks but also for direct sale in the organic store.
For more information:
Coteaux Nantais
coteaux-nantais.com
