Specialties in spotlight at Hazera open days

During the Hazera open days there was not only attention for the new crucifers research centre, but also for the new varieties. Frank van der Geest and Marion Vissers lead around the testing fields.

There is attention for the Cabbice again this year, the cabbage variety that was introduced last year and defines itself with taste. Vissers says: "A cabbage structure, but with a sweet flavour." This gives it possibilities for salads - however the cabbage is easier to transport and can be stored longer than lettuce. The variety is also longer than lettuces (summer-autumn) but does realise a higher yield. 

"We see a growing future for Chinese cabbage, but storage cabbage remains 80 percent of the market," says Van der Geest. 17-1125 and 17-1127 have also been introduced, two storage cabbages with trips resistance. "It has been a problem, abroad too. This makes it possible to spray less."

A newcomer in cauliflower is the early summer cauliflower Tirza (10-605), which defines itself in uniformity. The self coverage is high and the variety is also suitable for machine coverage. "it grows in 75 days and is especially constant in the summer," according to Van der Geest. 

There is attention for 16-628 in sprout. Important about the variety, which is suitable for both the industry and the fresh market, is the possibility to clean it by machine. "Due to the slightly longer shape the leaf can easily be rubbed off after cutting."

Hazera has had a special variety for years with Maestro, a carrot variety by sister company Vilmorin. The variety defines itself in flavour, but needs more careful treatment. A group of Limburg growers has attuned the entire processing line to this. New to the carrot segment is Goldfinger. "The first yellow carrot that actually tastes like carrot," says Vissers. The variety is less bothered by green head and is easier to store.