Kohl rabi sticks, cabbage rolls, fresh onions and a baby leaf curly kale, were just some of the concepts on display at Bejo Zaden’s annual Open Days, writes Steven Vale.
For the first time, this year’s edition of the popular event at company HQ at Warmenhuizen, in the Netherlands, contained a dedicated ‘Concept Garden’, where visitors were able to see numerous concepts all grouped together.
One of these included Kohl rabi, a brassica with a high vitamin C and anti-oxidant content. Popular mainly in Germany, the flesh of the bulb is juicy and crunchy, with a mild, melon-like fragrance and a mild, sweet flavour. Cut Kohl rabi does not discolour, which makes it suitable for ready-made products, such as the snack stick that Bejo Zaden has introduced.
Currently available Bejo varieties suitable for making into sticks include Konan (for summer production) and the purple mid-late hybrid Kolibri. Both are suitable for eating raw, and in the Concept Garden visitors could take a peek at Kossak. Described as a mild and sweet tasting variety, which is heading for UK trials next season, Kossak is a high-yielding white Kohl rabi for autumn production.
Another interesting concept is the Coolwrap cabbage roll, which will also be launched in the UK next year.
Read the full story in November 2016 Vegetable Farmer – out 28/10/16.