Dutch producer Koppert Cress launched a micro melon last week that originates from South America.
The Pepquiño is a traditional melon variety with a fresh, crispy taste, which Koppert Cress likens to a cucumber with a slightly sour flavour. However, it is closer in origin to a melon than a cucumber.
Each fruit measures around 3cm and can be used in a number of ways, from starters and desserts to use in spring or summer salads.
Koppert Cress is growing the fruit in a greenhouse in the Netherlands, under biological pest control conditions. It is packed under HACCP.
UK marketing manager Anneke Cuppen told freshinfo: “We are selling the Pepquiños in the UK at New Covent Garden Market, New Spitalfields Market, Birmingham Market, etc. I hope to sell 50-100 boxes a week, but if that turns out to be higher it will not be a problem.”
Demand so far has come from the restaurant and hotel trade.
The Pepquiño came on stream this month and is available until November, in a box of four cups (250g per cup). It can be stored for up to 10 days at a temperature of 2-4°C.
A number of recipes and ideas for the fruit and also a complete description of the product is available on Koppert Cress’ website.
The company exhibited at the International Food & Drink Exhibition in London in March and received a lot of interest in its recent innovations Piros Cress, Salicornia Cress, Wheat Grass, Sea Fennel and Topseal packaging.
Koppert Cress specialises in cresses and micro vegetables.
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