Finally we have the perfect harvest conditions here in the UK!
On a recent trial visit, John De Soyza, Market Development Manager, was delighted to see that the Vilmorin Little Gem variety, Holidei, is producing consistently superior head quality.
Holidei had been selected to answer practical issues for growers. It is easy to harvest and de-leaf and has very long field-holding ability with a short core, even in hot conditions!
From wraps to kimchi
Sauerkraut may be on the decline, but its consumption has been stable for years.
The way we eat sauerkraut is changing: from stew to an oven dish, as a side dish, or in a salad. “A new, young target group has discovered the health benefits of fermented products. That gives cabbage a boost.
The majority of red cabbage goes to the processing industry. They end up cut into vegetable packets or pre-cooked in jars. About 70% of white cabbage goes to processing plants and other processors. This is preferably done as soon as possible after harvest, according to Maarten Danenberg, product manager of Hazera. The remaining 30% of the white cabbage in the Netherlands ends up on the shelf in its entirety. That proportion is higher with pointed cabbage, says Danenberg: “Pointed cabbage is easier to cut in your own kitchen. And we’re seeing more and more recipes with half or a quarter of pointed cabbage, pan-fried or grilled on the barbecue.”
Pointed cabbage is one of the head cabbages that is clearly growing in volume, Danenberg observes: “Not spectacular; a few percent per year. But that increase has been going on for about twenty years.” The development is coming from the United Kingdom, especially to the Netherlands and Germany.” Popular varieties at Hazera are Regency and Dutchman (for summer cultivation) and Marshal (storage). We also see growth in our flat cabbage varieties like Callaway & Catelya for Central Europe, the Balkans and Turkey.
It originated with development of varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of purpose specific varieties. Our Research and Breeding teams are closely connected to our global network of subsidiaries and distributors, through whom we are in touch with the latest industry trends and preferred requirements within the various Brassica crops.
Harry Gray and Nigel Hodson followed the harvesting of the first crop of early broccoli, Kimono F1 from HM Clause 🥦.
The variety was planted in South Lincolnshire in early March during an absolute deluge 🌊!
The early crops are grown under polythene covers to bring the maturity forward.
Kimono F1 has risen to the challenge of unseasonable spring conditions, confirming why it is the market leader for the first-early broccoli segment 🥦👍!
The new development varieties of Dutch White Cabbage from Hazera have been planted at the UK Demonstration Site near Boston, Lincolnshire, in preparation for the Variety Open Days!
The event will be held on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th October.
All we need now is to put our faith in nature and hope there is the right amount of sun and rain to provide the perfect conditions for a perfect display 😊!
Hazera UK will be taking a different approach to running babyleaf research this year.
We have set up and are developing a new, bespoke babyleaf trial site!
With several members of the UK team rolling up their sleeves to participate, we are well on the way to establishing our first baby lettuce, rocket, spinach, chard, kale and mizuna trials!
We will be keeping a site diary to record not only our inevitable failures, but also our anticipated successes, and look forward to reporting on our efforts at the conclusion of the season.
