The Styrian apple 2008 stands out with its particularly intensive taste and full flavour. The production year 2008 brought many challenges for Styrian apple farmers. Sudden spells of cold weather in March made the production start difficult and later in the year there were numerous thunderstorms and hailstorms. But all of this only succeeded in bringing out the true Styrian qualities: Even though the visual appearance of some apples may not be their main attraction this year due to the difficult weather conditions, it was a great year for the Styrian apple and the 08 impresses with unique, inner qualities: An abundance of sunshine at the onset of harvesting and the relatively cool nights had a positive effect on the sugar-acid proportion, development of colour and flavour and ensure a superbly tasting harvest. In size and firmness typical of Styrian varieties, the apples 08 stand out with their extraordinarily hearty-sweet taste. The cultivars with high sugar content (Gala, Golden Delicious, Braeburn and Fuji) profited most from the climatic conditions this year.
BIO production keeps growing
Since organic apple production is very difficult in an area with traditionally low precipitation levels, there has been some hesitation to expand the plots for organic cultivation over the past few years. To meet the increasing demand for organic products, the proportion of organic production of Styrian apples will be noticeably increased in the next two years. Every opportunity should be taken to keep value creation in our country, i.e. to meet the Austrian consumers' demand for organically grown apples with Styrian quality products.
Source: EVA press information