Fruit

Fruit in Switzerland is a seasonal affair. The general populace gets excited when the first Swiss strawberries appear in the spring, followed closely by rhubarb, then roadside stands of Valais apricots in the summer, and fresh apple and grape juice in the fall. There are cherries, too, and pears, as well as blackberries, blueberries, currants and all manner of plums.

According to the Swiss Farmer’s Union, of the nearly 7000 hectares (17 acres) used to grow fruit, about half of it is used to grow apples. Apples are deeply embedded in Swiss culture, and not just the beautiful trees dotting the landscape. They have been a symbol of the country and its independent spirit ever since William Tell shot the apple off his son’s head. Perhaps that’s one reason why the Swiss love apples more than any other fruit? The Swiss Fruit Union reports that they eat over 16 kg (35 lbs) per person, per year.