A Sniffer or a Squeezer? What Kind of Fruit Buyer Are You?
Reach for a peach – 61% of Canadians surveyed rate peaches as a top summer fruit
Vineland Station, ON, July 10, 2008 – When it comes to buying tender fruit (peaches, pears, plums and Coronation grapes) appearance and feel trump price as important fruit selection criteria, according to a national survey conducted by the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers. Squeezing (80%) is the most common fruit selection method while 42 per cent of respondents favour sniffing.
What exactly are people squeezing for? Likely, the crunch factor. Generally speaking, crunchy fruit is favoured over soft fruit 2:1. Whether crunchy or soft, summer tender fruits are enjoyed in their original form with approximately 8 in 10 respondents sinking their teeth right into the fruit, fresh out-of-hand.
"I have noticed that people are turning to fresh fruits and moving away from processed food in an effort to adopt a more well-rounded diet," says Helene Laurendeau, Registered Dietitian and TV host. "Fruit is so versatile and incorporating more into your meals is a great way to get your recommended daily servings."
A fruit movement has begun, according to poll findings, as Canadians are extending fruit usage into other meals. Of those Canadians who do cook with fruit, they are more often doing so at breakfast (43%), dinner (42%) and snack time (41%). When it comes to salads, the most popular fruits added are peaches (20%), pears (18%), and coronation grapes (13%). However, the heat turns up on peaches as it is the preferred fruit by 21 per cent of respondents when it comes to baking.
Laurendeau added: "If ever there was a time to benefit from the natural richness of Ontario fruits, it is in the summer months. Not only do they taste better, but they offer the best nutritional value for your grocery dollars."
Value, along with quality, is a key consideration for grocery shoppers. Although more than 40 per cent of respondents indicated that they prefer to support local farmers and another 40 per cent indicated that they feel local produce is fresher, respondents do indicate that price and quality still play an important role in their purchasing decisions.
With the closing of the CanGro fruit canning plant in Ontario, local canned fruit will be impossible to find. By home canning and preserving Ontario fruit while in season, consumers can savour the flavour all year round.
"Now, more than ever, is the time for consumers to get back to the basics of healthier informed eating," says Laurendeau. "In addition to cooking, preserving while local fruit is fresh is an excellent way to get that taste of summer all year long while ensuring that your family gets the best local product available. Using the ripest, sweetest and most fragrant fruits available is incomparable and surprisingly easy."
However, few Canadians are actually cooking or baking with tender fruit (20%) and/or preserving (8%). Survey results indicate that about one-third of those who do not preserve say it is because they have either never thought of it or because they do not know how; 25 per cent prefer the taste of fresh fruit; 20 per cent are not interested in preserving; and 17 per cent indicate that they do not have enough time.
"In an attempt to encourage Canadians to start cooking or to cook more often, we have developed some stress-free recipes that will allow people to pull off a delicious meal using summer’s freshest ingredients," said Laurendeau. "We often hear that cooking is time-consuming, but eating is a real life pleasure and meal preparation can be fun too. By including members of the family or even a friend, going to the local market and cooking can become great opportunities to spend some time with the people we love."
Recipes
Ontario Peach Fritters are a classic treat that has been adapted from an 1859 recipe. Originally from Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management and provided by Toronto’s historic Montgomery’s Inn, this decadent treat takes fresh and delicious tender fruit from an out-of-hand staple to a decadent treat.
A Classic Peach Preserve is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of breakfast foods or a sweet after-dinner treat that really does preserve the best of summer all winter long.
Incorporating tender fruit into a main entrée is simple. Grilling the peach with pork and bacon as in this Ontario Peach and Pork Brochettes intensifies the flavour of this delicate fruit and will have you looking for new ways to cook with peaches.
Never thought of cooking with plums before? Try making a fresh and tangy Ontario Plum Compote and pair it with deliciously moist Pecan Scones.
Coronation grapes are a truly local gem. Available only for approximately three weeks a year, this Roasted Asparagus and Coronation Grape Salad is a local delight. Add parmesan and pancetta and you have a full meal in approximately 10 minutes. Fast food couldn’t be any faster.
And, if you’re looking to impress without stress, make Roasted Ontario Pear and Cumin Tartlets and you will take your appetizers from the usual to the unexpected in a matter of minutes.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by Research Dimensions between June 11th and June 15th. A total of 506 respondents were sampled, where Ontario tender fruit is sold. The sample included principal grocery shoppers aged 25 to 60 who self-reportedly have purchased Ontario tender fruit. The margin of error for this sample size is 4.4 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
About the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers
The Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board operates under the Farm Products Marketing Act and represents all producers of tender fruit who market to either the fresh or processing market. The Board has more than 500 grower-members. Over 90 per cent of all tender fruit crop production is generated from the Niagara Peninsula. The remainder is located in Norfolk County and in southwestern Ontario.
About Hélène Laurendeau
Nutritionist and TV host Hélène Laurendeau has a Nutrition Degree from the University of Montreal and a Master’s in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McGill. She hosts the TV show Manger, co-hosts the cooking show Cuisinez avec Jean Soulard and contributes to the Ricardo television show and magazine.
For more information please contact:
Danielle Parney or Sonya Franceschini
Faye Clack Communications Inc.
Tel: 905.206.0577 x225 / 249
Email: dparney@fayeclack.com / sfranceschini@fayeclack.com
