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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Introduction: A New Apple Emerges in Quebec
Quebec apple producers are celebrating a successful season, marked not only by favorable harvests and sales, but also by the arrival of an exciting new fruit: the Orléans apple. Developed over nearly a quarter-century on Île d’Orléans, this apple is poised to reshape consumer preferences and apple production in the region.
The Birth and Promise of the Orléans Apple
The Orléans apple, now making its debut in grocery stores, is the result of 25 years of careful crossbreeding and selection. The process began in 2002, using pollen from Honeycrisp and Empire apple flowers to create a unique variety. While available in Quebec orchards for the past two years, the apple is now reaching a broader audience through retailers this fall.
Karen Morin, co-owner of Verger du Roy in Portneuf, has observed the apple's rising popularity. Morin explained, "It's a mix of Honeycrisp and Empire, so these two together, it's like a bomb. It's really, really good, so sweet and still really crispy." She believes the Orléans has the potential to replace the popular Honeycrisp apple as the top choice for future generations.
What Sets the Orléans Apart?
Consumers are increasingly drawn to apple varieties that remain crisp and sweet over time, and the Orléans checks both boxes. Benoit Caron, owner of La Maison de la Pomme, planted 20,000 Orléans trees in Frelighsburg five years ago. Caron asserts, "It's not the first apple created in Quebec, but it's the first one that we can supply at least 10 months a year because of its conservation." He adds that the Orléans apple is not only a delicious snack but also excels in cooking, retaining its structure in dishes like custards and pies.
Surging Demand for Quebec-Grown Apples
According to Jérôme-Antoine Brunelle, executive director of the Producteurs de pommes du Québec, the timing of the Orléans apple's launch aligns with a growing demand for Quebec apples and local produce. "If these new varieties can help us gain market shares from imported apples and that we can source more of Quebec-grown apples to consumers, it's a win for everyone," said Brunelle. He also noted that recent trade tensions and tariffs with the United States have spurred increased consumer interest in locally produced food, including apples.
The appeal of local produce has brought more attention to new apple varieties, with Quebec consumers showing greater interest in the origin of their food. Brunelle emphasized the importance of clear labeling to help consumers identify Quebec-grown apples in stores.
Variety and Opportunity Across Quebec Orchards
Claude Jolicoeur, author of several books on apples and cider production, sees immense potential in expanding Quebec's range of apple varieties, especially for cider. He envisions a system where different regional apple varieties could lead to distinctive ciders, much as regional grapes define different wines in Italy. While cider-specific apples differ from those sold in grocery stores, Jolicoeur hopes to see growth in both markets.
Producers like Morin highlight the diverse flavors found in Quebec apples. Some varieties carry notes reminiscent of bananas, pineapples, strawberries, or even chestnuts. Jolicoeur underlines that while the grocery market prizes appearance, cider apples are valued only for their taste and suitability for fermentation.
Year-Round Quebec Apples and a Look Ahead
With varieties like the Orléans now available nearly year-round, Quebec apple producers are hopeful for increased recognition and a continuing shift toward local consumption. Whether for fresh eating, cooking, or cider production, the region’s apples—and especially its new Orléans variety—are making their mark on the industry.
Source: cbc.ca.
