If you are looking for a healthy snack at the Brisbane Ekka, you couldn’t do better than to visit the Aussie Apples stand at the Agricultural Hall and taste a cool, fresh Aussie Apple slinky made from the true blue Aussie Apple varieties, Granny Smith or Pink Lady.
Grown in Stanthorpe, these mouth-watering Aussie Apple slinkies are only $1 each and, while they are being made on the spot, you can take the opportunity to learn about the marvellous health benefits of eating Aussie Apples and how to tell for sure you are buying a Dinki Di Aussie Apple and not an import.
Growers from Stanthorpe will be on hand at various times during the Ekka to talk about Aussie Apple production in the Stanthorpe region, where more than 99 per cent of Queensland’s apples come from.
“Aussie Apples are a wonderful snack for those on the go,” said Daniel Nicoletti, Stanthorpe Apple Special Interest Group chairman and Aussie Apple grower.
“They are an ideal choice for visitors to the Ekka because they are easily portable. You can eat one while you are looking at the exhibits with two more in your bag to quench your thirst and reboot your energy later in the day,” Mr Nicoletti said.
“Look for the Aussie Apple sticker to choose Aussie grown apples and support Aussie farmers. Choose apples with firm skin that is smooth to the touch for perfect ripeness.
“Fresh, crunchy apples are available all year round, due to advanced storage techniques used by the growers. Watch out for a greenish stem to select the freshest picked apples.”
Crunch the Apple, the Aussie Apple mascot, will drop into the stand from time to time to delight the children.
Aussie Apples is Stand 194 in the Agricultural Hall adjacent to Gregory Terrace.
Fast Facts on Aussie Apples grown in Stanthorpe:
nQueensland grows 13 per cent of Australia’s apples – the best 13 per cent that is! That makes Queensland the third largest producer behind Victoria and New South Wales.
nEach year 36,000 tonnes are harvested – that’s 36 million kilograms or 260 million apples.
nThere are 85 apple farms, all family owned and operated. The industry is the largest employer in the Stanthorpe district.
nEach year more than 1500 visitors from overseas come and help harvest the crop. The backpackers are mainly from Europe, Korea and the Pacific Islands.
nThere are six main apple varieties grown in the Stanthorpe region: Royal Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Pink Lady, Sundowner and Granny Smith (the only green apple).
nGranny Smith, Pink Lady and Sundowner were all developed in Australia. Pink Lady is Australia’s most popular apple variety.
nThe crop is worth about $55 million at the farm gate.
nFarmers have spent many dollars covering their orchards with netting to protect the crop from hail, bats and birds.
nThe industry prides itself on its clean, green approach and is famous around the world for its development of efficient farm technology.
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