The traditional Asian cucumber variety Urgurke has been nominated for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2008.
An older variety that has been resurrected by Dutch organic specialist Eosta in conjunction with seed breeder Enza Zaden as part of a project called ‘Forgotten species, new market opportunities’, the Urgurke is one of 10 nominees for this year’s award.
The Urgurke offers three aspects of innovation, according to its inventors: an authentic taste, the unique collaboration behind the project and its environment-friendly, biodegradable ‘baguette bag’ packaging.
Dark green with a rough skin, the variety has been revived as part of an initiative from Eosta and Enza Zaden to bring back “the strong values of yesteryear presented in a modern jacket”.
Urgurke, which has so far sold well on the German market, will be available in the UK under the brand Wild Cucumber and in the Netherlands as Oerkomkommer.
Other partners in the project include the University of Wageningen Greenhouse Culture, the Centre for Genetic Resources, LEI and grower Eef Maassen, all based in the Netherlands.
