After discovering the Kabocha and Spaghetti squash online and seeing its popularity in North America, Brian Knudsen from Frigaard decided to start offering it to the Danish market last year. Although Brian said that demand is still slow going, he will continue to offer the squash varieties this year to continue letting customers get acquainted with them.
"We will have the same amount as last year of all three squash varieties [Spaghetti, Kabocha, Hokkaido], and, as of next year we should have our organic certification. We are selling directly to retailers who were really happy with the vegetable last season and we have established customers who want to build this up with us. I think that these types of squash varieties will become a lot more common in the future, just like sweet potatoes took over the spot from regular potatoes." said Brian.
The squash is most in demand from September up until December, but slows to a halt during the Christmas period when consumers only have interest for traditional holiday foods like citrus and red cabbage.
"Once we have figured out storage, then we should be able to start selling the squash again in January when demand picks up again. I have heard that growers are able to store them for 8-10 months in America. Personally, I have squash in my house from last season which is still in really good shape, but this is much different to having large quantities stored in containers where issues like fungus could form." said Brian.
"Once we have figured out storage, then we should be able to start selling the squash again in January when demand picks up again. I have heard that growers are able to store them for 8-10 months in America. Personally, I have squash in my house from last season which is still in really good shape, but this is much different to having large quantities stored in containers where issues like fungus could form." said Brian.
This year, Frigaard has also started growing butternut squash on their growing area in Portugal in order to expand their offering. It is not possible to grow this type of squash in Denmark where the weather is too cold.
"Growing the butternut squash is something I am testing this year, together with a Dutch colleague. We are starting with 8 ha and we plan on expanding this area in the future, based on how this season goes. I will be taking care of the growing side of things, while my Dutch colleague will be grading, packing and selling the butternut squash. The other squash varieties will continue to be grown in Denmark on 10 ha. We haven't had any issues selling them and we have found that there is definitely demand for the butternut squash as well." concluded Brian.
For more information:
Brian Knudsen
Frigaard
Tel: +45 65 37 27 57
Email: brian@frigaardgroent.dk
frigaardgroent.dk
www.facebook.com/Frigaard
"Growing the butternut squash is something I am testing this year, together with a Dutch colleague. We are starting with 8 ha and we plan on expanding this area in the future, based on how this season goes. I will be taking care of the growing side of things, while my Dutch colleague will be grading, packing and selling the butternut squash. The other squash varieties will continue to be grown in Denmark on 10 ha. We haven't had any issues selling them and we have found that there is definitely demand for the butternut squash as well." concluded Brian.
For more information:
Brian Knudsen
Frigaard
Tel: +45 65 37 27 57
Email: brian@frigaardgroent.dk
frigaardgroent.dk
www.facebook.com/Frigaard