The Travelling Gourmet

Story and photos by Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet TM

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The indomitable and irrepressible Travelling Gourmet TM attends a…

MEDIA Briefing on Polish food and drink and tastes the scrumptious food from the biggest Bento box ever for Brunch!

28 October 2024 Voco Orchard Singapore Malaysia Room

The presenters, some of whom had flown in to Singapore for the event included

Ms. Bożena Wróblewska, President of the Promotion Center of the Polish Chamber of Commerce    

Ms. Ilona Korchut, Chargé d’affaires A.I., Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Singapore

Ms.Magdalena Smolak, Head of Foreign Trade Office, Polish Investment & Trade Agency Branch Office Singapore

Mr.  Tomasz Parzybut, Head of the Program, The Association of Butchers and Meat Producers of the Republic of Poland

Mr. Wojciech Watly, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Poland in Singapore

Chef Marcin Suchenek who prepared the yummie giant Bento Box Brunch with a punch!

Andrzzej Krupinski of Agroberry who produced the famed Aronia Berries and Aronia Berries Honey

Gargantuan Bento!

I really enjoyed Chef Marcin’s King Kong size Bento of lean Beef, Pork and Chicken and Salad I was the biggest Bento I have ever tasted! Ahhhh…if only all Bentos could be like this.

I learned a lot about Polish products learn more about Polish products including succulent and tasty beef, pork and Royal Gala Polish apples, along with its associated delicacies. The apples are super crunchy and sweet and among the most delicious apples that I have ever tasted. Unfortunately I only had one to taste!

Did you know that Poland is the EU’s largest producer of apples?

Yes, it is true. Poland is the largest producer of apples in the European Union and is one of the world’s largest apple producers: 

• Production Poland produces more than 3 million tons of apples annually, which is over 30% of the EU’s apple production. 
• World ranking Poland is the fourth largest apple producer in the world, behind China, the United States, and Turkey. 
• Per capita production Poland’s apple production is three times higher per capita than China and more than six times higher than the United States. 
• Exporting Poland is a major exporter of apples, with plans to export over 1 million tons in 2024. 
• Varieties Poland grows 14 main varieties of apples, including Royal Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonaprince, and Szampion. 
• Technologies Polish producers use modern technologies to increase the shelf life of apples and automate sorting, washing, and packaging. 

Poland’s apple orchards are located in central, southwestern, and southeastern Poland. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

One product that impressed me greatly was the Aronia Berries Honey which is full of health benefits. Astringent Aronia berries aka Chokeberries are low in calories but pack a nutritional punch, as they’re high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. They can help with preventing high blood pressure and diabetes. Aronia berries have FOUR times the amount of antioxidants of blueberries!

The berries also supply vitamin K, folate, iron, and vitamins A and E.

Plus, they’re an excellent source of beneficial antioxidants, which help protect your cells from potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. No, free radicals are not terrorists although Kamala Harris probably thinks they are, Ha! Ha! Aronia berries are particularly high in anthocyanins, which give the berries their dark blue to black color. They look like blueberries. Aronia berries are actually native to eastern North America like Wisconsin but are now synonymous with Poland. Much like the kiwi fruit which is native to China but now is synonymous with New Zealand.

Soplica Gorzka Vodka and Aronia Honey

Who could not mention Polish Vodka. The real deal not those made in France, Ha! Ha!

Keep calm and carry on eating!

Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet TM & charming Elizabeth Wan who organized the Polish Media Briefing