The apple is France's most consumed fruit, a position it's held steadfastly for years.
Whether red, green, or yellow, apples dominate fruit displays as the undisputed queen. Available 12 months a year, they're sold in bulk, boxes, trays, cellophane, piles, or color-coordinated stacks at every market.
This is no surprise: France is the world's top apple producer (a point of national pride), yielding 1.9 million tons annually. Yet, we still import 145,000 tons—about 10% of consumption—from countries like Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand.
What about the environmental impact of these long-haul imports? It's negligible until you compare it to domestically grown apples, which rely on 'garajoum frigorificus'—or cold storage in plain terms. For months, these apples sit in darkness at 1-2°C before emerging fresh in wooden crates. Rarely discussed is the significant electricity required for this process.
For consumers aiming for five fruits and vegetables daily, the real frustration is pricing: local seasonal options like peaches, apricots, and strawberries cost far more than these stored apples.
INSEE data shows fruits have risen 17.9% since June 2007, while apples increased only 6%. Summer apple sales surged this year, bucking the typically slow season.
Opt for local, seasonal produce by all means—but note apple harvest runs from July to November.
