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This October, PROCOLOMBIA will promote Colombia&rsquo s exotic fruit exports at 22 Longo&rsquo s grocery stores in the Greater Toronto Area through the grocery store&rsquo s " Why not Try Program,&rdquo which seeks to encourage customers to get familiar with new and exciting products. On the weekends of October 18-19 and 25-26, 2014, Longo&rsquo s will feature demos of Goldenberries, Yellow Pitayas, Passion Fruits and Granadillas from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
During these demos, Longo&rsquo s shoppers can learn about the health benefits of the fruits and receive a complimentary recipe booklet that will show them how to best enjoy these fruits. Thanks to Colombia&rsquo s unique climate, these fruits are always in season so Longo&rsquo s shoppers can find these products all year-round.
" Today&rsquo s global economy enables consumers to enjoy products from all over the world, including Colombia,&rdquo said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of PROCOLOMBIA, the Colombian agency charged with promoting trade, tourism and investment. " In Canada, the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was signed on August 15, 2011, has effectively eliminated trade barriers and allowed for easier flow of goods between the two countries. This is particularly relevant to the agribusiness industry. According to Statistics Canada, from January to July 2014 alone, Colombia exported US$38 million worth of fruits to Canada.&rdquo
Colombian exports reach Canada&rsquo s major provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta and deliver a range of popular products such as fresh fruits, fresh cut flowers, apparel and more. According to Statistics Canada, in 2013 flowers were the largest non-traditional export from Colombia to come to Canada, valued at US$80.5 million. This was followed by fruits (US$65.5 million) and sugar and confectionary (US$21 million). Since the implementation of the FTA, Colombian fruit exports to Canada have grown by 32% (excluding bananas).
Colombia has over 300 fruit varieties and Canadians might not be familiar with some of them. Through its partnership with Longo&rsquo s, PROCOLOMBIA wants customers to learn more about Colombian fruits and have fun while enjoying their flavours and health benefits.
" The Longo&rsquo s team is dedicated to continually providing new and exciting food, which is why we were thrilled to partner with PROCOLOMBIA for our &lsquo Why Not Try&rsquo initiative and bring Colombia&rsquo s Goldenberry, Yellow Pitaya, Passion Fruit and Granadilla closer to our shoppers,&rdquo said Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce and Floral at Longo&rsquo s. " As a family-owned organization, Longo&rsquo s is inspired by our founders&rsquo commitment to a Fresh Tradition. We are excited for consumers to get to know these fruits and enjoy them both on their own, and in a variety of recipes.&rdquo
The October event is timely, as Canadian consumers begin to think about the end-of-year holidays and seek new, innovative and healthy recipes to entertain guests. An overview of the fruits and their respective benefits:
Goldenberry
Colombian Goldenberry is a fruit from the Andes Mountains. Th ough it belongs in the same family as tomatoes, it is more often associated with and eaten like a berry. Goldenberries are packed with vitamins A and C, high in antioxidants and contribute to healthy vision and bones. Their slightly sour flavor enables their use in a wide variety of preparations. For example, they can be enjoyed raw as a morning snack or cooked in the form of jams, sauces and chutneys.
Yellow Pitaya
Colombia&rsquo s Yellow Pitaya is much sweeter than its counterpart, the red pitaya or dragon fruit. Yellow Pitaya is rich in fiber and known to help regulate the digestive system, contains vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant and immune system booster and contains properties that help reduce high cholesterol levels. Additionally, its edible seeds contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Yellow Pitaya is better enjoyed chilled and is ideal for adding a touch of exotic flavor to salads.
Purple Passion Fruit
Purple Passion Fruit is a wonder for those wanting to combat the negative effects of stress. Known in Colombia as " Gulupa,&rdquo this exotic fruit has calming properties that help combat insomnia, boost brain function and regulate blood pressure. Good for heart and bone health, Passion Fruit also works as a detoxifer, contributing to good liver and kidney functions. The fruit&rsquo s tanginess is perfect for turning simple dishes such as a dessert crumble into unexpected experiences that will impress guests.
Granadilla
High in antioxidants and vitamins A, B and E, Granadilla is packed with nutrients that help calm the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety and insomnia. Granadilla also contains significant amounts of calcium, iron and fiber and, like many fruits containing edible seeds, is ideal for regulating the digestive system. Granadilla&rsquo s sweet flavor and high water content make it a perfect snack on its own or as part of a refreshing drink.
In addition to health benefits, these fruits provide endless inspiration for great recipes.
For more information on each of the fruits, and to explore recipes, please visit http://proexport.com.co/docs/en/boletin/imagen/frutas-exoticas/Recetario-Frutas-Exoticas.pdf.
For more information on Colombian products and the free trade agreement, please visit http://www.proexport.com.co/en.
