Celebrate National Apple Day with European Apples and Sweet Halwa

Apple Day: a celebration of fruit from both Indian and European orchards. Marked annually on 21 October by apple-growing groups across India, National Apple Day serves to spotlight the country’s own apple-producing regions while showcasing the variety, textures, and culinary versatility of European apples. New Delhi, India, 21 October 2026 — National Apple Day is observed on 21 October by apple-grower organisations in India, with a strong focus on Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. In the past, the Apple Farmers’ Federation of India (AFFI) has marked the occasion by holding rallies and meetings to discuss the challenges facing local growers.

Beyond the agricultural focus, Apple Day provides a chance to discover the wide range of apples available. Each variety offers a unique balance of aroma, texture, acidity, and sweetness, making them perfect for eating fresh or using as a key ingredient in various dishes.

The Garden of Europe campaign, which is co-funded by the European Union, puts the spotlight on four specific apple varieties from Poland, each possessing its own unique traits.

Gala apples are known for being medium-sized, sweet, and crunchy, featuring smooth red skin with yellow undertones. Red Jonaprince apples are larger in size, characterized by their deep red hue, firm texture, intense aroma, and a sweet-tart flavour profile.

Red Delicious apples are sweet, juicy, and crunchy, displaying a dark red skin with golden highlights. Red Chief apples feature a dark red exterior, crunchy flesh with a creamy colour, a sweet taste, and a pleasant aroma.

These distinct characteristics provide consumers with plenty of options, whether they are looking for a crisp snack to enjoy fresh or a variety that adds depth to cooked meals and desserts.

Currently in its third year, the Garden of Europe campaign is dedicated to promoting European apples from Poland and European kiwifruit from Greece across specific international markets, including India.

To celebrate National Apple Day, the campaign recommends preparing Apple Halwa, a warm, traditional Indian dessert that blends grated European apples with ghee, cardamom, and nuts. Gala or Red Chief are excellent sweet choices for this dish, while Red Jonaprince provides a nice sweet-tart contrast.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples from the EU, such as Gala, Red Chief or Red Jonaprince, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar, adjusted to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds or cashews
• A few raisins (optional)

Method

1. Heat the ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Add the grated apples and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and most moisture evaporates.
3. Stir in the sugar and cardamom. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Add the nuts and raisins, mixing gently.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra nuts if desired.

Apple Day is the perfect time to experiment with new ways to use apples in your cooking. By making a classic Indian dish like Apple Halwa using apples from the EU, you can create a delicious fusion of European produce and Indian culinary heritage.