The first Belgian cherries were sold at auction over the weekend. These cherries were grown in Hoepertingen in the Haspengouw region. They were auctioned at the Belgische Fruitveiling.
Small-scale farmer, Theo Jammaers, donated them. He gave these cherries to Sint-Trudo hospital's COVID-19 department's nursing staff.
These are early tunnel-grown Bellise and Samba cherries. These are new early-ripening varieties with firm, sweet flesh.
Theo had to shut down his fruit processing company, Fancy Fruit, some years ago. That was due to health reasons.
He used to run with business with his wife, Marleen. He was admitted to the Sint-Trudo hospital. There, he received excellent care.
Now he got the chance to do something for the nursing staff in return. Cherries are Theo's favorite fruit. He never misses an opportunity to introduce others to his passion.
Theo set up his tunnel farm about ten years ago. He wanted to offer cherries as a premier product. He does so on the second weekend of June at Hex Castle's, in Heers, plant days.
"This year, everything is different. But the great weather and wonderful region make it a pleasure to enjoy these juicy Belgian cherries," says a Belgische Fruitveiling spokesperson.
For more information:
Belgische Fruitveiling
82 Montenakenweg
3800, St Truiden, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 11 69 34 11
EMail: info@bfv.be
Website: www.bfv.be