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| Apple | Apricot | Banana | Pear | Blackberry |
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| Cassis | Cranberry | Strawberry | Fig | Pomegranate |
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| Blueberry | Raspberry | Cherry | Lime | Lychee |
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| Mandarin | Mango | Orange | Passion Fruit | Peach |
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| Sea-Buckthorn | Lemon |
Fruity, Fine and Healthy
Fresh fruits and berries are not only colourful to behold and, with their fine refreshing taste, delectable to the palate, the various substances they contain are good for our bodies. Natural vitamins and minerals are present in large quantities.
Using natural, high quality fruit concentrates we cook, mould and form fruit lozenges and pastilles, press glucose tablets and granulate fruit juice beverages. Thus, we offer a diverse and comprehensive range of carefully processed products.
Apple
(Malus Mill.)
History: In antiquity the apple was deemed a symbol of love and fertility. From the sinful apple in the Christian religion, bit by bit the apple became a symbol of power; next to their golden sceptres emperors and kings held a gilded “globus cruciger” in their left hands. It is considered a symbol of knowledge in the anecdote of Newton’s Apple, which fell upon his head as he sat beneath an apple tree and so gave the impetus for his development of the Laws of Gravitation. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is an old folk wisdom.
Active Substances: Apples belong to the group of pomaceous fruits and contain balanced quantities of vitamins important for human beings – first of all Vitamin C, B-Group Vitamins, Vitamin E and K. A considerable number of minerals have likewise been evidenced, including potassium in especially high doses. The various polyphenol compounds, tannins and the high pectin content promote health by promoting digestion and having a protective effect in relation to heart and circulatory diseases and cancer. The fruit acids contained in apples – malic acid in particularly high doses – are converted to bases which counteract tissue acidosis.
Geography: The modern apple can probably be traced back to a hybridisation of Asian and European wild apples, which were already cultivated in early times. It is likely the first cultivated varieties were grown in the Caucasus or in Central Asia. South Tyrol is the largest continuous apple growing area in Europe, from where over 10% of European apples are picked.
Apricot
(Prunus armeniaca L.)
History: Persian poets extolled the apricot as the “Seed of the Sun”. They were brought to the Mediterranean region by the Arabs. For a long time in Europe it was considered an aphrodisiac and emerges in poetic works such as William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Active Substances: The apricot belongs to the group of stone fruits. It is characterized in particular by a high mineral content – especially copper – as well as provitamin A, vitamins C and E, folic acid and niacin. Carotenoids combined with the effect of provitamin A have, for example, a protective effect with respect to cancer, strengthen the immune system, protect the skin from dangers UV rays and counteract arterial deposits.
Geography: Apricot originates from Central Asia. In the first century BC they arrived in Persia and Armenia via the Silk Road. Today the largest growing areas are in Turkey.
Banana, Dessert Banana
(Musa mannii x paradisiaca)
History: The banana is ranked among the oldest cultivated plants. Traces of their existence go back to the end of the last ice age. In the 6th century BC the fruit is mentioned in Indian records. Among the edible varieties dessert bananas and cooking bananas are distinguished. Dessert bananas are considered good for eating when ill, not only because they are easily digestible, potassium and vitamin rich, and nutritious, but also because they are considered a high-power energy source.
Active Substances: The banana, which belongs to the berry group of fruits, is the sole variety of fruit that contains in abundance all the nerve vitamins of the B-complex. The minerals calcium, iron, iodine, (considerable levels of) potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc also make the fruit interesting. Bananas contain a lot of sugar and are thus an excellent energy source among the fruits. Furthermore, they encourage digestion with their high fibre content.
Geography: The banana tree originates from tropical South-East Asia and was spread from there to the tropical and subtropical zones of the Earth. Today dessert bananas constitute the largest international trade volume of all fruits.
Pear
(Pyrus communis L.)
History: The pear was deemed the favourite fruit of the ancient Greeks, who were probably the first to cultivate pears. For this reason the Peloponnese carries the byname “Apia” (Land of Pears). For the Chinese the pear stood for parting and sorrow. Owing to its wonderful white flowers the Christians considered it a symbol of the Mother of God. The healers of the Middle Ages cautioned against eating pears raw, since they were supposed to be poisonous, while cooked pears would relieve stomach complaints. Modern pear varieties are, even fresh, anything but poisonous.
Active Substances: Since pears taste sweeter than apples, many people believe they contain more sugar. This is not the case; rather, their fruit acid content is smaller, making the fruit ideal for baby food and specialised gastrointestinal diets. Pears are a good provider of provitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and riboflavin. Moreover, they contain more minerals than apples, including calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorous, selenium and zinc. Thus, they have a purgative and draining effect and stimulate the metabolism and the liver. By virtue of their high phosphoric and silicic acid content, pears are considered genuine brain- and nerve-food.
Geography: Pears originate from the Eurasian region. The most successes in cultivation took place in the 18th and 19th centuries in France and Belgium. Today pears are grown from North Africa, Europe (except Northern Europe) and Western Asia across Persia and the Himalayas to Eastern Asia and Japan.
Blackberry
(Rubus fructiosus L. agg.)
History: In antiquity, the blackberry was known to the Greeks as an important medicinal plant and was recommended, among other things, to strengthen the gums, for diarrhoea and to improve blood flow. In the Middle Ages as well the herb was used to improve blood flow, for mouth ulcers, for skin diseases and so on. In Christianity and Judaism the blackberry is considered a symbol of the voice of God.
Active Substances: Blackberries belong to the group of aggregate fruits. Among all berries they contain the most calcium and are rich in magnesium and copper. Moreover, the provitamin A and vitamin C content is especially high. Numerous flavonoids and other antioxidants protect against, for example, cellular ageing and strengthen immune defences.
Geography: Various species of blackberry appear in Europe, especially on sunny hillsides, on dumps, and in lighted woodlands.
Cassis, Blackcurrant
(Ribes nigrum L.)
History: The blackcurrant has been grown for its fruit in Central European gardens since the 16th century. In North-Eastern Europe it was probably already subject to horticultural use at a substantially earlier time. The “Cassis de Dijon Principle”, which came into effect in Switzerland at the start of July 2009, is traced back to a 1997 decision by the EU on the marketing of a French “Cassis de Dijon” liqueur in Germany.
Active Substances: Blackcurrants contain particularly large quantities of minerals. Vitamins, in particular vitamins C and E but also B-group vitamins such as Pyridoxine, Riboflavin and Thiamine, are also abundant. The violet-black appearing Anthocyanins (a flavonoid) has a positive effect on the body, but has a taste sometimes described as “bug-like” and is not universally liked. Ripe blackcurrants have only a very limited ability to be stored.
Geography: The home of blackcurrants is in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in a few Asian countries. Cultivation takes place in the countries of the temperate zones. Notable importers are Poland, Holland and France.
Cranberry, Large Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.)
History: Cranberries were already used early on by various Native American tribes. They used the recovered pigment for ritual purposes and treated wounds with the antibiotically active cranberry juice. Medicine men prepared compresses from the berries in order to draw the poison from arrow wounds. The fruit arrived in Europe with American whalers, voyagers and marines, all of whom brought it as a supply of vitamin C for protection against scurvy.
Active Substances: Cranberries contain a lot of vitamin C, significant quantities of provitamin A, and thiamine. The minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous are well represented. Dietary fibres such as Pectin, as well as tannins and fruit acids are likewise abundant. Furthermore, in comparison with other fruits, cranberries contain far more antioxidant plant products, such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidin. Proanthocyanidin, among other things, is antioxidant, antibacterial, and dissolves dental plaque.
Geography: Cranberries belong among the few fruits native to North America. Today, they are also grown in Europe, but do not appear in the wild.
Strawberry
(Fragaria sp.)
History: Forest strawberries were already gathered by human beings in the Neolithic Age. They were already grown as a crop in the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, the quantity of fruit in Europe at that time was still very small. French settlers in Canada found large strawberries, which also had an outstanding flavour, and brought them back to Europe. A German proverb says: “Because of a strawberry a man should dismount his horse nine times.”
Active Substances: The strawberry, which belongs to the group of aggregate accessory fruits, contains a lot of provitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, and thiamine. The minerals calcium, iron, sodium, potassium and phosphorous are present in significant quantities. The strawberry boasts appreciably fewer anthocyanins (pigmenting phenols) than, for example, the blueberry and cassis/blackcurrant, but is rich in antioxidant pigmenting phenols such as flavonols, phenol-carboxylic acid and so on, as well as tannins and procyanidins.
Geography: The strawberry is the most significant berry in the world. It is grown in the northern as well as the southern hemisphere. From the genealogical perspective, the old species Fragaria vesca L. (forest strawberry) spread itself across the Eurasian and American hemispheres.
Fig, Common Fig
(Ficus carica L.)
History: Traces of the fig as an agricultural crop extend into the Cretaceous period. In ancient Greece it was attributed aphrodisiacal properties and dedicated to the god Dionysus. Since the first century AD the fig has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region from where it advanced as the “Adriatic Fig” into Central Europe. It was used, among other things, as an antibacterial and anthelmintic medicine.
Active Substances: Botanically speaking, figs belong to the group of false fruits/pseudocarps and contain a lot of provitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine as well as vitamin K. Boron, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous are abundant in figs, among other minerals. Moreover, they contain a lot of amino acids, dietary fibre and polyphenol compounds, and distinguish themselves by a large surplus of bases. Figs are especially valuable for haematosis and promoting digestion.
Geography: It is probable that the fig tree came originally from Asia Minor. Today the most important growing areas are in Australia, Brazil, France, Israel, the Mediterranean and California – in short, wherever wine is produced.
Pomegranate
(Punica granatum L.)
History: The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Jews considered the pomegranate a symbol of love and fertility. In the Middle Ages in Europe and especially in Spain the entire fruit was used medicinally. The southern Spanish city of Granada was then named after the fruit, and even the coat of arms of Spain contains a pomegranate, which represents the former kingdom. The medicinal use of pomegranate against digestive problems is already described in the oldest written medical texts from the 8th century. In Tibetan medicine the pomegranate is considered a medicine for the increase of digestive heat. It is used for digestive disturbances, loss of appetite, and flatulence, which are triggered by insufficient digestive warmth.
Active Substances: Pomegranate is particularly rich in vitamin C, but is also a good source of riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin K. The minerals calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorous are abundant. Even in comparison with red wine and blueberries, pomegranate has especially large quantities of polyphenol compounds available. Numerous scientific studies suggest these compounds have a positive effect in the prevention of heart and circulatory diseases, cancer and arthritis.
Geography: The original home of pomegranate is believed to be Persia. Today the largest growing areas are found in Egypt, Brazil, Israel, California, on the Canary Islands and in the Mediterranean region.
Blueberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus L.)
History: In the 12th century, the blueberry was used by the abbess Hildegard von Bingen e.g. in the treatment of diarrhoea. The fruits were also used to treat diarrhoea and abdominal typhoid in traditional medicine.
Active Substances: Blueberries contain high levels of vitamin C, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamine. They are also rich sources of tanning agents, antioxidant proanthocyanidine, anthocyans and flavonoids and phenol carbonic acids and pectins. Physiologically important dietary substances.
Geography: The blueberry is found almost everywhere in the world: from central and northern Europe, the mountains of southern Europe, to North America and northern Asia. The European cultivated blueberry, with its large fruits, is descended from the American blueberry.
Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus L. ssp.)
History: Raspberries were originally cultivated in monasteries in central Europe in the Middle Ages. The first different varieties spread across the entire northern hemisphere throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Our ancestors prized raspberries for their healing properties. Raspberries were used to promote perspiration in patients suffering from fevers and were taken to treat gastric illnesses.
Active Substances: The raspberry (a member of the "group of aggregate fruits” family) has the highest fibre content of all berries; only wild berries such as elderberries and rose hip contain higher levels. The levels of magnesium, calcium and potassium are also surprisingly high, giving the raspberry its nickname of the "aromatic mineral mine". Raspberries are also rich in antioxidant flavonoids which, in association with phenol acids, have an anti-inflammatory effect and help to prevent cancer.
Geography: Raspberries are native all across Eurasia and the northern hemisphere. They play an important economic role in Europe and North America.
Cherry, Sweet Cherry
(Prunus avium L.)
History: The cherry tree is surrounded by a number of somewhat unlikely myths. It was dedicated to the Greek god of death Artemis and was also a symbol of death in Germanic culture. In Christian tradition, the cherry was designated a "forbidden fruit". In Japan, on the other hand, no other tree is as revered as the cherry tree. For more than 1000 years, the Japanese have celebrated an annual cherry blossom festival in honour of this tree. Our ancestors used the entire tree: fruits, leaves, stems, pips, wood and resin.
Active Substances: Cherries are sources of a wide range of different healthy substances; however, with the exception of the minerals potassium and zinc, these substances are only present in small quantities compared to other fruits. Cherries are good sources of vitamin B, C and E and contain a range of antioxidant anthocyans and flavonoids.
Geography: The cherry tree is endemic all throughout Europe, the Balkans, North America and from Asia Minor to Caucasus. Around three quarters of global production of cherries takes place in Europe, in particular, Italy, Germany and Turkey.
Lime
(Citrus aurantifolia Christm. et Panz.)
History: Limes are very cold-sensitive, making them a purely tropically-growing fruit. For this reason, the lime, an exotic fruit grown in Africa, Malaysia and Central America, only became known to Europeans as trade relationships with these regions were established.
Active Substances: Limes are rich sources of minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorous. Similar to lemons, they contain plenty of vitamin C which makes them appropriate for the prevention of cold-like illnesses. Lime skins contain about 7 % essential oils with the main components citral, limonene, beta-pinenes and fenchon.
Geography: Unlike the subtropical lemon, the tropical lime is at home in the wet Himalayan valleys of south-east Asia. It is the most cold-sensitive citrus fruit. Limes are grown in Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, the USA etc.
Lychee, Chinese Hazelnut
(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
History: Lychees were originally cultivated over 3000 years ago in China. The fruit has a special position in Chinese tradition as a symbol of love and romance. They remain one of the most prized fruits in China. The Europeans started cultivating lychees in the 19th century when the English and French started growing them in greenhouses.
Active Substances: Lychees are a right source of vitamin C, provitamin A, riboflavin and thiamine. They are also significant sources of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium copper and sodium. Lychees have a refreshing, slightly sour taste, with a terpene-like aroma.
Geography: Originally from China, the lychee tree has since been established in a number of subtropical regions, such as Asia, Brazil, Israel, Madagascar, New Zealand and South Africa.
Mandarin
(Citrus reticulata Blanco)
History: In ancient China, the mandarin was a fruit which was reserved for the Emperor and high-ranking officials - the Mandarins. This fruit probably bears the name of the mandarin-coloured robes worn by ancient Chinese noblemen. The mandarin made its debut in Europe in 1805 when it was brought back to England by Sir Abraham Hume. Clementines are a cross between mandarins and bitter oranges which were first cultivated in Algeria at the beginning of the century.
Active Substances: The most interesting substances to be found in mandarins are provitamin A, vitamin C and the mineral potassium. Mandarins contain a considerable amount of sugar, but less fruit acid than oranges, making one of the sweetest fruits. The essential oils found in mandarin peel are particularly prized in aroma therapy.
Geography: Mandarins are originally from south-east China, north-east India and the Philippines. Today, however, mandarins grow in all Mediterranean countries, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and south-east Asia.
Mango
(Mangifera indica L.)
History: The mango tree has been known in south-east Asia for over 4000 years. Mangoes, the national fruit of India, are a key part of Hindustani and Buddhist religious traditions. They and bananas are the most well-known tropical fruits and are known as the queen of the tropical fruits.
Active Substances: Mangoes are stone fruits. They are excellent sources of provitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, folic acid, riboflavin and thiamine, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc.
Geography: The mango tree originated in Burma. Today, these trees are to be found throughout the entire tropics; their fruit is exported to Europe all year round.
Orange, Sweet Orange
(Citrus sinensis L.)
History: Oranges originated in China or south-east Asia. They were a cross between mandarins and grapefruit (Citrus maxima). Oranges were probably first brought to Europe in the 15th century by Portuguese merchants. In 1533 oranges were first cultivated in France on the orders of duke Antoine de Bourbon. Orange peels are effective against flatulence and constipation.
Active Substances: After lemons, oranges have the second-highest level of vitamin C of any citrus fruits. They are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorous. Furthermore, they contain high levels of bitters, tannin and flavonoids. Vitamin C is important for tight connective tissue and increases the body's ability to absorb iron from food. A single orange is enough to cover an adult's daily vitamin C requirement.
Geography: As is the case with other citrus fruits, the exact origins of the orange are not known. Although oranges were formerly thought to have originated in China, it is quite likely that oranges are from north or north-east India.
Passion Fruit
(Passiflora sp.)
History: The following types of passion fruit are consumed by humans: purple granadilla (Passiflora edulis f. edulis), yellow granadilla (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis), curuba (Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima).
Active Substances: Passion fruit contain high levels of provitamin A, vitamin C, cobalamin, riboflavin and thiamine. They are also significant sources of minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium and also contain relatively high levels of protein. The juicy, jelly-like fruit is sweet with a sour bite. Passion fruit is often used to make juices, nectars and jams.
Geography: Passion fruits originated in Central and South America.
Peach
(Prunus persica L.)
History: The peaches have been known in China for over 2500 years. They were first brought to Europe by Alexander the Great on his return from Persia around 330 BC. In the Middle Ages, Abesse Hildegard recommended the unripe fruit, the leaves, roots, resin and bark of the tree for external use to treat running eyes, headaches and gout.
Active Substances: Peaches are juicy and full of aromas. They are rich in carotinoids, but relatively low in fibre. Other significant substances which are found in peaches include: calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and phosphorous, as well as provitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine.
Geography: Peaches originated in China. Today, they are cultivated in all countries with warm, steady climates, in subtropical monsoonal areas as well as further up in the tropics. Italy is known as the peach garden of Europe.
Sea-Buckthorn
(Hippophaë rhamnoides L.)
History: In ancient times, sea-buckthorn berries were used to treat eye illnesses in horses, giving them their Latin name "Hippophae" (Greek: "hippos" = horse, "phaos" = light). Sea-buckthorn appears in herb books dating back to the 17th century, where they were said to be useful in treating sea sickness.
Active Substances: These berries, which - botanically speaking - are actually nuts, are first class vitamin sources, with a high vitamin C content (about 10 times as much as citrus fruits), but also high levels of provitamin A, cobalamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin E. They also have above-average levels of calcium and magnesium. Furthermore, they contain antioxidant anthocyans and other flavonoids. Sea-buckthorn oil includes excellent levels of linoleic acid. The oil has a regenerative effect on the mucous membranes of the pharynx and in the gastrointestinal tract.
Geography: Sea-buckthorn has its geographical roots in Tibet. Today, it can be found in Europe and northern parts of Asia, where it grows in the sand dunes in coastal areas and along the banks of rivers at the foothills of the Alps.
Lemon
(Citrus limon L.)
History: Lemons have been known in China and India since prehistoric times. After being introduced to Spain by the Arabs, they were brought to the New World by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century.
Active Substances: Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, B-group vitamins and vitamin E. It is also a significant source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, copper and phosphorous. Lemons are also particularly rich in antioxidants, bitters and citric acid. Lemon juice helps to fight cold-like illnesses and to strengthen the immune system.
Geography: Lemons are assumed to have originated in central Asia. Today, lemons are grown in many countries with a subtropical or tropical climate. European production of lemons is principally based in Spain and Italy.