The Jerusalem artichoke is one of the more interesting products on the market. Although this product plays a subordinate role in wholesale and retail trade, demand in Germany has been stable or rising slightly for several years. Vegetable farm Uhrbach based in Winsen has decided to grow it organically and to market it in their online shop.
The producer and marketing company has been working on the cultivation of conventional Jerusalem artichokes for several years. Based on the experience gained and knowledge about the product and its cultivation, the idea was born to include the organic tuber in the assortment. The production of the product has not been too difficult so far, says Alexandra Uhrbach. "We produce the organic Jerusalem artichoke on approx. 2 ha and cultivate about twice the cultivated area for the conventional product. We have not noticed differences in production so far."
The tuber as a year-round product
The growers gained regional fame with the launch of vegetable brand Gemüsinis. Under this label, primarily local vegetables such as salsify, pumpkins and turnips are offered as a ready-to-eat product on the supermarket shelf. The Jerusalem artichoke is, however, for the first time traded on the in-house online store, but it is available throughout the year. "The Jerusalem artichoke is mainly harvested in October, but due to the excellent shelf life it becomes a year-round product."
The Jerusalem artichoke is still a relatively unknown product and is offered in small quantities in the German trade. The tuber is particularly healthy for diabetics because of the high proportion of inulin. "We market Top Top Star organic Jerusalem artichokes as whole tubers in any desired packaging, from 200 grams to 2.5 kg," syas Ms. Uhrbach.
Regional leader in niche articles
The vegetable business cultivates a colorful range of smaller vegetable crops and takes up an exceptional position, at least in the region. How the Jerusalem artichoke will fare is currently still difficult to assess. "We indeed trade in niche articles, but there are hardly any competitors in the market. That's an advantage."
For more information:
Uhrbach Gemüsinis
Alexandra Uhrbach
Boschstr. 24
D-21423 Winsen (Luhe)
Tel.: 04171/69289-0
Fax: 04171/69289-29
info@uhrbach-gemuese.de
www.uhrbach-gemuesinis.de
www.gemuese-box.de