These star fruits of the end-of-year holidays are disappearing from supermarket shelves, the sad reason

If it is recommended to eat seasonal fruits, one of them could be conspicuous by its absence in supermarkets at the end of the year…

In winter 2024, France offers a wide variety of seasonal fruits which allow you to diversify meals while enjoying the nutritional benefits of these local products. However, one of the star fruits of the season could be missing from the shelves…

Seasonal fruits in supermarkets

In winter, citrus fruits, especially oranges, tangerines, clementines, grapefruits and lemons, are in peak season. Due to their high vitamin C content, these fruits are said to be particularly sought after.

They have the ability to strengthen the immune system and fight against winter infections. In December and January, oranges of varieties such as Navel or Sanguine are particularly sweet and juicy.

Mandarins, with their ease of peeling, are called this: also very appreciatedjust like lemons, which, in addition to their tangy flavor, are perfect for juices or in cooking to enhance dishes.

Apples and pears are winter fruits par excellence in France. In December, January and Februaryvarieties such as Granny Smith, Gala, Reinette or Golden are available in supermarkets.

They are said to be perfect for compotes, tarts, or simply to chew. Pears, particularly the Conference, Doyenné du Comice and Williams varieties, continue to be harvested until winter and are ideal for desserts.

Although stone fruits like plums are usually seen associated with summer, some varieties like winter plums or sloes are still available in winter. Especially in December.

Full of vitamins

Quinces, an emblematic fruit of the cold season, are also very present on the market stalls. Although their taste is rather raw, quince is delicious in jam, jelly, or cooked in compotes.

In winter, we also find exotic fruits, such as pineapple, bananaand kiwi, imported, but offer a welcome tropical flavor during the cold season. Kiwi, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, is particularly beneficial in winter.

It thus helps strengthen the immune system. Moreover, he sees himself more and more grown in Franceparticularly in the southwest, which makes it an increasingly local fruit.

Dried fruits such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and chestnuts, typical of winteralso say they are very popular. Chestnuts, which are generally harvested in the fall, are still present in winter in the form of fresh fruit.

Or in the form of puree to be used in cooking. Walnuts and hazelnuts, rich in healthy fatty acids and minerals, are perfect to enhance dishes, desserts or as energy snacks.

Likewise, certain red fruits, such as pomegranates, can still be seen available in winter. These fruits, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, can be used in salads and desserts. Or for fresh juices.

A fruit is missing from supermarkets

The torrential rains which have been falling for a week on the southeast of Spain cause catastrophic consequences for populations. Particularly in the Valencia region, where more than 200 victims say they have been counted.

This territory, which defines itself as one of the main exporters of fruits and vegetables in Europe, sees its orchards and vegetable gardens submerged by floods. The roads are impassable, and the A-27 motorway has been buried in mud.

These bad weather conditions have direct repercussions on consumption in France, where shortages loom. Brands like E.Leclerc and Coopérative U are already reporting major disruptions.

The problem is twofold: on the one hand, flooded crops see the fruits, saturated with water, risk rotting on the vine. And on the other, the cut roads greatly complicate the delivery of goods.

As a reminder, Spain supplies a large part of the fruits and vegetables consumed In France. 77% from zucchini, 84% from cucumbers, 76% from salad, as well as a large part from citrus fruits.

Among the most popular products endangered, clementinethe fourth favorite fruit of the French with an average consumption of 4.2 kg per person each year, says it is particularly affected. The sales peak, which extends from November to January, is compromised.

Clementines are at risk of rotting due to flooding. According to France Bleu, supply could fall by 60% in the coming months. What endangers the presence of this fruit emblematic of Christmas.