Sure! Here’s a creative option: “The Charm of Apple Tasting in Madrid: A Walk with a Fruit Sommelier.” Do you like it? 😊

Madrid was the venue for a unique event on June 17, where attendees were introduced to the concept of apple sommelier, held at the Eton Mess cooking school. This activity is part of the campaign “A World Beyond the Apple: An Experience Full of European Flavor,” an ambitious three-year project co-funded by the European Union, along with the Consorzio Mela Alto Adige and the VOG and VIP producer organizations.

The concept of apple sommelier, which originated from one of the most renowned apple-growing regions in Europe, has been solidified through an innovative training program aimed at enriching the sensory understanding and cultural value of this fruit. To date, 73 professionals have been trained as “apple sommeliers,” becoming ambassadors of this unique experience on an international level.

Benjamin Laimer, an apple sommelier, guided guests through a tasting of various apple varieties, including Cosmic Crisp®, Pinova Südtiroler Apfel IGP, and Golden Delicious Südtiroler Apfel IGP. During the tasting, attendees learned to appreciate apples through a holistic approach that includes visual observation, aroma analysis, crunch, texture, and flavor, highlighting the unique characteristics each variety offers.

In addition to the tasting, the event also focused on the culinary versatility of apples. Renowned chefs Juan Llorca and Fabián León presented innovative recipes that showcased the apple as an essential ingredient in various preparations. The dishes created incorporated the distinctive qualities of each variety to enhance the complexity of the recipes, from appetizers to desserts.

One of the standout creations was the gilda, which combined the freshness of the Cosmic Crisp® with pickles and anchovies, balancing flavors and presenting the fruit in a surprising way. For starters, an ajoblanco featuring the Cosmic Crisp® offered a fresh and light taste, while a rice dish with hake incorporated the Pinova and Golden Delicious, adding tropical textures and flavors.

Additionally, the Golden Delicious was used in the dessert, concluding the menu with a sweet finish that left a lingering fruity flavor. Throughout the event, it was clear that the apple tasting not only celebrates its quality and variety but also highlights the remarkable work done by apple sommeliers, inviting everyone to discover “A World Beyond the Apple.”

This effort to promote a new culture around the apple seeks to emphasize not only its quality and flavor but also its health benefits, contributing to an increasing appreciation of this fruit in European gastronomy. The campaign is being carried out in both Italy and Spain, solidifying an approach that values the apple beyond its traditional use.