Facts
The apple is the most beloved fruit in Switzerland. The biggest apple in the world was harvested in Japan in 2005. It weighed an impressive 1.9 kilogrammes – about ten times the weight of an average apple.
Facts
The aronia berry came to East Germany via Russia in the 70s. Its cultivation was mandated by the government! It was mostly used as a colourant in the food industry.
Facts
Did you think cherries and roses have no commonalities apart from their colour? Wrong. Cherries and roses are botanically related. You can tell when you look at cherry blossoms more closely. So why not give cherry blossoms instead of roses for a change?
Facts
Did you know what humans and figs have in common? There is a female and a male of the species. Only the female fig blossoms bear fruit. Their male counterparts are needed for pollination.
Facts
According to Chinese lore, there once was a man who ate goji berries every day and got to live until he was 252 years old. The berries are universally hailed as a fountain of youth and as a superfood that is rich in vitamins, calcium and fibre.
Facts
The kiwi isn’t just a fruit, but also New Zealand’s national animal. New Zealanders even refer to themselves as “Kiwis”, such is their love for the bird. By the way, the fruit was, in fact, named after the bird.
Facts
Would you dare to just bite into an actinidia arguta “Issai”? Go on, it’s just the mini kiwi that hides behind this mysterious name. Of course, we still recommend you cut it open or peel it first.
Facts
With an annual output of more than 15 million tonnes, China is the world’s leading grower of peaches. This seems in proportion with the fact that almost one in five people on earth are Chinese.
Facts
Most people know quinces as an ingredient to make jams, but it can also be used for skin care. Quince seeds in salves and creams help with dry skin and chapped lips, sore nipples and light burns.
Facts
Women, this is for you. Anecdotal evidence suggests that rasperry leaves might shorten the duration of the second stage of labour. They are also used to induce labour, for menstrual cramps and to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Facts
Redcurrant and rhubarb not only share a certain acidity, but also a botanical name. Redcurrant is known as “ribes”, one species of rhubarb as “rheum ribes”. Still, they are not related botanically.
Facts
The strawberry is unique among fruits. It is the only fruit to carry its seeds on the outside. All other fruits have their pips and seeds inside.
When is Swiss fruit in season?
Eating fresh fruit every day is great for your health. Fruits contain key vitamins, minerals and trace minerals and it is even better if you buy them seasonally and regionally. Why is seasonal fruit better? Find out here.
Fruits and their seasons
Strawberries in December, nectarines in February and cherries in October. Of course, all of this is possible, but is it really necessary? If you look into food and nutrition, you will learn quickly that not all produce grows everywhere and all the time. Or simply put: not all fruit is in season all the time. Not that you could tell looking at the supermarket displays. Supermarkets stock most fruits and vegetables almost all year round.
This is why we have created the Swiss Farmers’ regional calendar. See at a glance what fruit is in season and thus comes at full flavour.
It makes sense to buy fruit when in season, for a variety of reasons:
Arguments for buying seasonal fruit
One reason to buy seasonal fruit is its taste. The flavours are at their best during the fruit’s natural harvesting season. The nutritional value is also at its peak around that time. If you only buy apricots, cherries, apples and squashes when in season, you may not be able to enjoy them all year round, but when you have them, they taste so much better. Besides, isn’t it just wonderful to be looking forward to the rhubarb or prune seasons?
If you buy fruit at the farmer’s market or directly from a local farm, it is not only to the benefit of your palate, it also helps the environment by reducing long-haul transportation. The fruit does not have to be imported by ship or flown in, it just goes straight from the producer into the boot of your car or your bicycle basket. It also eliminates the need for most packaging material – you will not find shrink-wrapped produce at a farmers’ market. Buy regionally and seasonally – mother nature will be grateful.
When is fruit in season?
There is no one fruit season. In Switzerland, fruits such as strawberries or rhubarb are grown in the spring, while the summer’s culinary treats include melons, blackberries and nectarines. In autumn, the seasonal fruit basket often contains grapes and quinces and in winter, the seasonal vitamin bombs that are kiwis, apples and pears help us through the cold temperatures.
Do you have a craving for cherries? Check our seasonal calendar for the seasons of various fruits. You can also find out what is currently in season and adapt your shopping list accordingly.