The Food We Eat: Apples – More Than Just a Fruit
We all know apples. But have you ever wondered what it takes to grow them?
In this episode of Agroecology Bites, we explore the story behind this everyday fruit—from the thousands of apple varieties that exist around the world to the role of pollinators, biodiversity, research and climate in producing the apples we enjoy.
Join Dr Alberto Ramos Luz and PhD researcher Jean do Prado from Teagasc as we uncover what happens behind the scenes and explore how apple production connects with agroecology.
Because the next time you bite into an apple, you might see it a little differently.
Guest Bios
Dr Alberto Ramos Luz is a researcher at Teagasc working on sustainable fruit production, with a particular focus on apples. His work explores how we can produce high-quality fruit while responding to environmental challenges and supporting more sustainable farming systems.
Through his research, Alberto brings together scientific knowledge and practical questions facing fruit growers, helping us better understand how apple production can evolve for the future.
Jean do Prado is a PhD researcher at Teagasc exploring what makes us prefer one apple over another. His research looks at consumer preferences, including taste, texture and flavour, and how these relate to the measurable characteristics of different apples.
His work connects the science of apple production with something we can all relate to: the experience of eating and enjoying an apple.
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YouTube video
The AGROECOLOGY Partnership, funded by Horizon Europe, unites the European Commission and 111 partners across 31 Member States, Associated Countries, and Third Countries. The Partnership will support an agriculture sector that is fit to meet the targets and challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and sovereignty, and the environment, while ensuring a profitable and attractive activity for farmers.
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What is Agroecology Bites?
What exactly is agroecology and why are so many people talking about it?
From myths and misconceptions to real-world practices, Evelyn Zuniga breaks down the basics in a way that’s clear, conversational, and relevant to everyday life.
If you’ve ever wondered how farming can be more sustainable — or what role you play in that story — Agroecology Bites is for you.