Tropical fruit is now grown in the south of France

Published Nov 10, 2021

Tridge summary

French farmers are beginning to cultivate tropical fruits, such as bananas and guavas, in greenhouses in the southern part of the country. Frédéric Morlot, a farmer from Les Arts Verts in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is among the pioneers, growing a variety of exotic fruits including mango ginger and rose apple. The biggest challenge is temperature control in the greenhouse. The plants have been discovered to produce an antifreeze-like substance that aids in protecting them from cold in winter. Morlot sells his produce to French restaurants, including some with star chefs, as a way to reduce the CO2 footprint of importing these fruits.

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Original content

More and more French growers are choosing to grow tropical fruit. Bananas, guavas and other exotic fruits have recently also been grown in greenhouses in the south of France. A number of growers, pioneers, want to reduce the CO2 footprint of importing this fruit in this way. At his farm, Les Arts Verts, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Frédéric Morlot grows many exotic fruits. “In the greenhouse you can find not only turmeric and mango ginger, but also aer mawar or rose apple, a fruit with a rose scent.” “The biggest problem is the temperature control (heat) in the greenhouse. If that is OK, it is ultimately the plants themselves that have to produce the fruit. With the help of scientists, we have also discovered that the plants themselves produce a kind of antifreeze, which is locked in their own juice. So the plants can protect themselves perfectly – without outside help – against the cold in winter.” Frédéric Morlot sells his products to French ...

Source: AGF