Subtropical and exotic fruits are increasingly expanding in Andalusia, complementing and enriching the already extensive range of fruits grown in the region, and with a strong focus on organic cultivation.
"Gospa Citrus is a fourth-generation family business traditionally linked to the citrus sector, and in particular, to Sevillian bitter orange, which we introduced for the first time in the United Kingdom and France. Based in an area with hundreds of years of citrus growing tradition (Mairena del Alcor, in Seville, a place with a huge natural and cultural heritage), over the years we have expanded the number of varieties we cultivate and export to about 40. In addition to the popular bitter oranges, we also work with several varieties of sweet oranges, mandarins and clementines, lemons and even some exotic varieties, such as kumquat, limequat, caviar lime, Buddha's hand, makrut lime, etc.," says Amadora Gahona.
"Driven by innovation, we introduced other fruits that the market increasingly demanded; fruits that we could consider exotic or tropical, such as dragon fruit, cherimoya, figs, or passion fruit."
"Gospa's products usually come from our farms or our partners, who tend to be located in our region. We don't work with imported products, because that would require us to use post-harvest products to allow the fruit to withstand a long journey; chemical products that we do not want to use. We grow organic fruit; we are committed to this way of farming which allows us to look after the crops, the environment and the people."
"Thus, we have been working with dragon fruit for four years with impressive results in countries like the United Kingdom. But the case of passion fruit is extraordinary," says Amadora. "We have been offering this fruit for two years, and this year, we have managed to introduce an improved variety with an outstanding quality. It is a purple Passiflora edulis. Its large size, attractive appearance, shelf life and striking aroma, as well as its unique flavor, make it the best we have known so far and explain its unprecedented success in the market. Countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany or Denmark are acquiring thousands of kilos every week."
"Although passion fruit is originally a Paraguayan fruit (in fact, the word 'maracuyá' comes from Guarani 'mburu' ('fly') and 'kuja' (breeding ground), because the fruit's very sweet nectar is very attractive to these insects), there are many varieties that have spread across the world. In Spain, the region of Andalusia is the biggest producer, as the weather conditions there are ideal. As an anecdote, I'll tell you why it is called passion fruit. This name was given by the Jesuit missionaries who walked through those Paraguayan lands in the seventeenth century, and they called it that because of the similarity of its beautiful flower with some religious symbols linked to the Passion of Christ."
"This year, it has been well received in the markets, as consumers appreciate its great qualities and incredible nutritional properties. Passion fruit contains plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. It contributes to the correct functioning of the intestine, regulates cholesterol levels and helps protect and strengthen the immune system by fighting free radicals. It is a prodigious fruit."
Gospa Citrus sells its passion fruit in northern European markets. "However, all European countries are potential customers. It is worth noting that attempts to introduce this fruit have been made for years, but now, producers like us, who are geographically closer and able to deliver a variety of enormous quality, are allowing the fruit to make a decisive impact on the market. For years, this was a challenge for us and today the opportunity has come. Everyone loves the passion fruit."
For more information:
Gospa Citrus
Calle Herreros, 52
Mairena del Alcor 41510 - Seville, Spain
Tel.: +34 636 059 019
[email protected]
https://gospacitrus.com