Dutch organic specialist Eosta has launched two new organic cucumber varieties on the German market this week, with the aim of introducing them to the UK in the future.
The Frühlingsgurke and the Urgurke varieties are being trialled at organic Alnatura stores in Germany in a bid to assess consumer reaction before they are rolled out in the Dutch and UK markets. In the UK they will be known as Spring Cucumber and Wild Cucumber, and in the Netherlands as Oerkomkommer and Lentenkomkommer.
Eosta’s Gert Kogeler told FPJ: “We chose to trial the varieties in Germany because it is much easier to do a small-scale test in this market. So far consumer reaction has been very positive.”
The two salad products have been selected from among 50 varieties by the Centre of Genetic Resources, seed breeder Enza and Eosta.
The Urgurke, or Wild Cucumber, a long-forgotten variety, is dark green, of normal size and has a rough skin. “The variety has been revived due to its special qualities and its appearance, and is sold per piece,” said Kogeler. “The Frühlingsgurke, or Spring Cucumber, is a light green, medium-sized cucumber with an exceptional fresh taste, sold per two pieces in biodegradable packaging.
“Instead of wrapping them in plastic for the UK market, as is usual with cucumbers, we actually want to wrap these products in a paper ring instead,” he added.
