Why glass?

Glass is and will always remain one of the best ways to package food products because it forms a barrier impassable by oxygen. Glass is a natural substance that does not release any other substances to the product it contains, in this way keeping the fruit absolutely uncontaminated.

Is all fruit equal?

Absolutely not! Fruit is a natural product and there are enormous differences between different varieties. The choice of the type of fruit assumes fundamental importance, as do the area of origin, altitude, climate, and cultivation and weather conditions. Fruit is served best by warm days and not too much cold at night, with a little rain from time to time for refreshment. This stimulates continuous growth and the formation of handsome, fragrant fruit. Fruit does not like: too much heat, too much cold, and uninterrupted rain for weeks on end. Who does?

Which fruits are considered wild?

Blueberries and cranberries are considered wild, even if they can be cultivated. We decided to use the “wild” varieties because they have richer taste, and are more natural and healthy.

Which fruit does Alpe Pragas cultivate directly?

We cultivate strawberries, raspberries, red and black currants, green and red gooseberry, and elderberry flowers. We purchase other types of fruit from other farmers, many of whom have been providing us with their produce for years. This fruit is carefully selected during harvest on the basis of its ripeness and sugar content.

How is the overall sugar content in a product established?

Total sugar is measured using a refractometer, and the value obtained is the product of the fruit’s own natural sugar content and the sugar added during production. The unit of measurement is the Brix; for example, the fruit’s own sugar content = 12 Brix; the added sugar = 30%, so the total sugar = approx. 42 Brix.

Does sugar help preserve the product?

Yes and no: sugar has preservative properties only if it is added in proportion of around 60%. Because we use only minimum quantities (around 30%), sugar does not work as a preservative for us, and we rely on the process of pasteurisation for the purpose.

How long can Alpe Pragas products be conserved once opened?

The high quantity of fruit contained in our products makes them extremely sensitive once opened. Keep the product in the refrigerator and put it immediately back inside after use. Designate a special spoon to use with your stewed fruit and prevent contamination by bacteria from other foods (butter, yoghurt). Our products usually “keep” in the refrigerator for at least two weeks from date of opening.

Why do some fruits change colour after a few months?

Red fruits react significantly to sunlight: they oxidize and go slightly pale. This is a natural process that is hard to alter. We use natural lemon juice to slow the process down. In order to maintain a fruit’s natural colour for as long as possible, we suggest storing the products in a dark, cool place.

Why do Alpe Pragas products have such fresh and natural flavour?

Our products are cooked at a temperature of around 65°C and then subjected to a pasteurisation process only for the minimum time necessary. Using carefully selected fruit and this technique permits a fruitier, fresher, and more natural final product to be obtained. After pasteurisation, the product is immediately cooled to guarantee the conservation of both vitamins and attractive colour.