[Product Review] Snacks Enjoyed at the Summit... Baek Jong-won's Apple Pie with Plenty of Apple Jam

CU 'Matnam-ui Gwangjang Apple Pie'

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Is there a better time to enjoy hiking than these days with moderate temperature and humidity and clear weather? One of the charms of hiking is casually sitting halfway up the mountain or at the summit and sharing food with family and friends.

On the afternoon of the 18th, two and a half hours after starting a solo hike ("honsan") I reached the Baegundae summit of Bukhansan. Leaving behind the clear sky and the magnificent view from the summit, I took out the "Matnam Plaza Apple Pie" purchased at the CU convenience store near the Bukhansan parking lot. Since I had to awkwardly satisfy my hunger alone, a simple bread was more suitable than a grand lunchbox.

The apple pie was about the size of an adult woman's palm. Even without heating it in a microwave or air fryer, it emitted a savory butter aroma and the scent of apple jam right after opening. The apple filling, made by simmering finely chopped apples, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon powder, showed a yellow color beneath the pastry, asserting its presence. According to the description on the package, the proportion of apples from Yesan in the raw materials was as high as 27.98%.

How did it taste? Taking a big bite, the apple pie had a flavor hard to expect from convenience store food. The rich apple filling, which seemed only possible at a high-end bakery, spread fully in my mouth. The fresh and sweet filling was complemented by the texture of the thin pastry layers, which appeared to be more than ten layers. It was a delicious taste without any unnecessary elements.

An impressive aspect was the short shelf life. Although I bought the product that morning, the expiration date was October 19, only two days away. Some bread products have longer shelf lives, but the fact that it had only two days like fresh foods such as triangular kimbap or sandwiches made it more trustworthy.

Another advantage is that it enables good consumption that supports local farmers. This is the first collaboration product between the famous variety show of the same name, "Matnam Plaza," and BGF Retail, which operates CU. This is part of a "good win-win project" to dispose of apples with reduced marketability due to damage suffered by apple farms in Yesan, Chungnam, caused by heavy rains this year. BGF Retail CEO Lee Geon-jun appeared this time as the "Apple Tall Uncle."

However, the high calorie content typical of dessert bread, at 345 kcal per piece, is personally a downside. Since I had just finished hiking, the burden was less, so I could enjoy it deliciously, but it might be burdensome to eat frequently.

◆ You Must Buy This

# If you want to easily enjoy a simple and delicious apple pie

◆ One-line Impression

# The flavor of a premium bakery with the meaning of good consumption

◆ Price

# Matnam Plaza Apple Pie 85g 1,800 KRW