MARKET FOR APPLES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 117, 21 May 1942, Page 3

MARKET FOR APPLES

VALUE OF DEHYDRATION INQUIRY FOR N.Z. CROP (Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) London, May 18. The Minister of Food is interested in dehydrated apples, consequent on the virtual cessation of imports of fresh apples. It has placed large orders with Canada and is also considering an order for an appreciable tonnage from New Zealand, but the price factor is a bar to business at the moment. Mr. H. Turner London manager of the fruit sales division, said: “Samples of New Zealand dried apples which have arrived in England have drawn the most favourable comment from food experts and housewives. Samples of various varieties of apples were kept separate. Some probably show up better than others, but the general opinion is that they compare favourably with the best of other brands, both for flavour and texture." There is a marked difference in appearance, because the New Zealand apples are not sulphur treated, resulting in a much darker-coloured article, compared with the almost white of Canadians. There is no improvement in quality on the Canadians, however, but the consumer has always associated the clean white colour with the dried apple, and for that reason may be prejudiced. Under cooking conditions, the difference is hardly apparent. Anyway, there is less fastidiousness in these days of short supplies and rationing. If other difficulties can be overcome and with modern economical plant and also raw materials ot superior quality, New Zealand may well find a favourable market in the United Kingdom during the war, and also perhaps afterward, if not in Great Britain, then in meeting the enormous demand proceeding from the impoverished Continental populations.