Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Spread Apricot: A Natural Choice for Health-Conscious Consumers
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit (What wine goes well with fruit?) Spread Apricot offers a balance between sweetness and tartness, aiming to satisfy diverse palate preferences. Committed to maintaining natural flavors, this spread is composed of 98% apricots, augmented with apple juice concentrate rather than refined sugars. The apricots and apples used in the spread are sourced with care to ensure that the final product is not only appealing to the taste buds but also adheres to organic standards.
The choice to use fruit sweetness comes from a desire to provide a healthier alternative to conventional fruit spreads that often contain added sugars. Crofter's Organic furthers this approach by deliberately selecting low acidity fruits for their natural, subtle sweetness, which enhances the taste of the spread without overpowering the inherent apricot flavor. Because of the meticulous production process, the resulting Apricot Spread offers a texture that is smooth with some fruit chunks, delivering an authentic fruit experience.
In line with sustainable and ethical food practices, Crofter's Organic ensures that their Just Fruit Apricot Spread meets rigorous organic certification standards. The brand focuses on providing a product that is not only enjoyable but also aligns with consumers' growing preference for healthful, organic, and environmentally responsible options. Their apricot fruit spread represents these values, offering a high-quality choice for those looking to incorporate organic, fruit-based products into their diet.
Origin and Brand Overview
Crofter's Organic has established itself as a trusted name in the organic food industry, known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients. The brand's journey began over three decades ago, rooted in a passion for wholesome and sustainable products.
Crofter's Brand History
Founded: 1989
Founders: Gabi and Gerhard Latka
Headquarters: Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada
Crofter's Organic was conceived by Gabi and Gerhard Latka in 1989 in Parry Sound, Ontario. The couple's vision was to create organic fruit spreads that not only taste delightful but also adhere to the highest environmental and quality standards. Over the years, Crofter's commitment to organic farming and non-GMO ingredients has resonated with consumers, making it a leading brand in the organic spreads market.
From Apricots to Jars
Main Ingredients: Apricots, Apple Juice Concentrate
Product Attributes:
Organic
Non-GMO
The creation of Crofter's Just Fruit Spread begins with the selection of premium organic apricots. Turkey's (What wine goes well with turkey?) Igdir apricots are chosen for their balance of sweet and tart flavors and their contribution to the spread's fiber content. These apricots, constituting 98% of the fruit content, coupled with apple juice concentrate for sweetness, find their way into Crofter's jars. The brand prides itself on its product being organic and non-GMO, ensuring each jar of Just Fruit Apricot Spread maintains the authenticity and natural taste that Crofter's is celebrated for in Canada and beyond.
Product Ingredients
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Spread in Apricot flavor is crafted with a focus on simplicity and purity. The spread consists of primarily organic apricots and apple juice, without the inclusion of artificial flavors or preservatives, aligning with a non-GMO commitment.
Organic Apricots and Apple Juice
Primary Ingredients:
Organic apricots
These two ingredients form the base of the Just Fruit Spread, providing a natural sweetness without added sugars. Apricots are the primary fruit, making up 98% of the contents, accompanied by apple juice concentrate which enhances the spread's consistency and sweetness.
Natural Preservatives
Preservatives Used:
Apple pectin
Ascorbic acid
Citric acid
To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, natural preservatives are utilized. Apple pectin, a natural carbohydrate found in apples, is used to thicken the spread while maintaining a smooth texture with some apricot chunks. Ascorbic acid and citric acid, both organic compounds found in citrus fruits, are added not only to preserve the product but also to stabilize its vibrant apricot flavor and color. These ingredients ensure the Just Fruit Spread's shelf-life and consistency without compromising its organic integrity.
Nutritional Information
Crofter’s Organic Just Fruit Spread Apricot offers a nutritionally conscious option for those looking to enjoy pure fruit flavor. It provides essential macro and micronutrients with a low caloric content per serving.
Macro and Micronutrients
Crofter’s Organic Apricot Just Fruit Spread contains minimal fat, sodium, and is devoid of cholesterol. Each tablespoon portion delivers approximately:
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Of which sugars (naturally occurring from fruit): 5g
Protein: Less than 1g
The spread does not contain significant amounts of other micronutrients like vitamin C, but its simple and pure formulation brings out the apricot's natural flavors and sweetness without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Caloric Content
The spread is noteworthy for its low-calorie profile, containing only:
Calories per 1 Tbsp (18g): 30 kcal
This makes Crofter’s Organic Apricot Just Fruit Spread a suitable addition for those monitoring their calorie intake while still wanting to enjoy the sweet taste of apricots in a spread.
Certifications and Quality
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Apricot Spread sets a high standard in the fruit spread market, distinguished by premium quality ingredients and compliance with stringent certification processes.
Organic Certification
The Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Apricot Spread is certified organic, ensuring that the apricots and all other ingredients used are grown and processed following strict guidelines set by organic certification bodies. These criteria cover a range of factors, from soil quality and pesticide use to handling and processing of the fruit spread. This certification is a testament to the company's commitment to producing high-quality, environmentally friendly products.
Non-GMO Project Verification
In addition to being organic, Crofter's Just Fruit Apricot Spread has also received Non-GMO Project Verification. This seal verifies that the product does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), aligning with the growing consumer demand for natural and unaltered foods. The Non-GMO Project offers one of the most rigorous verification processes to ensure that a product meets this very specific standard.
Taste Profile and Varieties
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Spreads offer a focused celebration of fruit flavors. Their apricot variety is especially noted for its balance of sweet and tartness, ensuring a vibrant and pure apricot taste.
Flavor Experience
The Apricot Just Fruit Spread from Crofter's delights with its smooth texture that carries some chunks, providing a pleasing tactile experience. It is crafted to let the natural fruit flavors shine through, featuring a 98% fruit content consisting of apricots and apple juice concentrate. This results in an appealing flavor that is neither overtly sweet nor excessively tart, striking a harmonious balance that is versatile for various culinary uses.
Complementary Flavors
Crofter's apricot blend harmonizes well with a range of flavors. Here is a table listing some complementary flavors and potential pairings:
Complementary Flavors Pairings Sweet Almond croissants, vanilla ice cream Tart Greek yogurt, rustic whole grain toast Cherry Dessert sauces, glazes for pastries Raspberry Layered in parfaits, smoothies Morello Cherry Dark chocolate desserts (What wine goes well with chocolate desserts?), cheesecakes
Beyond apricot, Crofter's Organic offers a variety of other fruit spreads, such as cherry and raspberry, which can be used creatively to complement desserts, breakfast foods, and savory dishes alike. Each flavor is designed to capture the essence of the fruit used, ensuring that consumers get a consistently delicious and authentic taste.
Uses and Pairings
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Apricot Spread offers a delightful balance of sweetness and fruitiness, perfect for enhancing the flavors of various foods. It provides a versatile addition to meals, whether for a simple breakfast or a sophisticated culinary creation.
Breakfast and Snacking
One can enjoy a toast topping that is both delicious and nutritious by spreading a layer of Crofter’s Apricot Spread, transforming it into an enjoyable breakfast or snack option. It pairs exceptionally well with yogurt, adding a burst of apricot flavor and sweetness without any added cane sugar, as it is sweetened naturally with apple juice.
Toast: A classic way to start the day is with toast smeared with apricot spread.
Yogurt: Stir into plain or vanilla yogurt for a fruity twist.
Culinary Applications
The versatility of the apricot spread extends into the culinary realm where it serves multiple purposes. It acts as an excellent glaze for vegetables and meats, imparting a subtle fruitiness that complements savory dishes. Its natural sweetness and rich apricot flavor can elevate the taste of baked goods, making it a valuable addition to a chef's pantry.
Glaze for Vegetables and Meats: Brush on before roasting to infuse flavor.
Muffins and Pastries: Incorporate into recipes in place of fresh fruit for added moisture and sweetness.
Consumer Information
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Apricot Spread is recognized for its vibrant taste and nutritional value. The spread is composed predominantly of apricots and apple juice concentrate, striking a balance between tartness and sweetness.
Packaging and Availability
Packaging: Crofter's Organic packages their Just Fruit Apricot Spread in glass jars which are filled and sealed when the fruit spread is hot. Each jar contains 10 ounces (283 grams) of the spread.
Availability: Consumers can find Crofter's Just Fruit Apricot Spread at various grocery stores, organic food markets, and online platforms such as Amazon. The availability may vary by region, but it generally remains accessible to those seeking an organic apricot spread option.
Addressing Concerns
Sugar Content: Crofter's Apricot Spread is sweetened with organic white grape juice rather than refined sugar, resulting in a lower Glycemic Load compared to conventional preserves, making it an appealing choice for those managing sugar intake.
Pit Fragments: While not explicitly mentioned in search results or product descriptions, high-quality fruit spreads like Crofter's typically ensure minimal pit fragments through rigorous production standards. Customers concerned about this can reference reviews or contact the company directly for reassurance about product safety and quality.
Premium Spread: Crofter's Organic positions their Just Fruit line, including the apricot variety, as a premium spread. This is due to its high fruit content, organic certifications, and commitment to less added sugar.
The company ensures that the product is both organic and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences and requirements.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Apricot Spread epitomizes the brand's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. The company sources its fruit from farms that strictly avoid the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This adherence to organic farming principles plays a significant role in fostering biodiversity, not only within plant species but also in local wildlife.
The farms producing fruit for Crofter's spreads prioritize natural growth cycles, with a focus on maintaining the integrity and fertility of the soil. Moreover, as certified organic producers, these farms comply with rigorous standards set by the USDA, which circa 2000 established exacting regulations for organic agriculture.
The following practices highlight Crofter's approach to sustainability:
No Synthetic Chemicals: Fruit is nurtured without artificial inputs, poisoning, or production aids.
Soil Fertility: Practices that support the earth's natural nutrient cycles are prioritized.
Water Conservation: Measures are taken to prevent contamination and preserve water quality.
Biodiversity: The approach ensures a diversified ecosystem among plants and animals.
Furthermore, Crofter's Organic reflects its dedication to sustainability through its packaging decisions and streamlined processes designed to minimize environmental footprint. It is important to note that such efforts extend beyond mere production to include all aspects of the company's operations.
By incorporating biodynamic farming techniques, Crofter's Organic holds itself accountable to the most stringent of sustainable and ethical standards, ensuring that its impact on the planet is as positive and regenerative as the products it offers to consumers.
