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Organic 'Urgurke', an initiative of Eosta and Enza Zaden, nominated for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2008

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Waddinxveen, The Netherlands
January 4, 2008

Source: Eosta

With the submission of the Urgurke, an older type of Asian cucumber that has been selected in the co-innovation project 'Vergeten soorten, nieuwe marktpotenties' (Forgotten species, new market opportunities)* for our conditions, Enza Zaden and Eosta are among the 10 nominees for the 2008 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award. The Urgurke includes three innovations in one: a new cucumber with an authentic taste (innovation in product), the unique collaboration behind the product (innovation in development) and the environmentally friendly and original 'baguette bag' packaging (innovation in packaging).

The 'Urgurke' is a one-of-a kind organic cucumber. Dark green, with a rough skin, it is refreshingly crisp, moist and juicy. The 'Urgurke' comes wrapped in bio-degradable packaging. This classic cucumber variety is one of the world's oldest vegetables, revived and introduced on the market thanks to a highly original research project dedicated to 'forgotten varieties'. The entire concept for the Urgurke harks back to generations past, "the strong values of yesteryear presented in a modern jacket". This exceptional product appeals greatly to consumers, as shown by shop tests in Germany.

Samples of the 'Urgurke' will be on display for tasting at the booth of both Eosta and Enza Zaden during the next Fruit Logistica in Berlin, February 7-9, 2008. You will find Eosta in the Holland Fresh Group pavilion, hall 3.2, booth C-10 and Enza Zaden in hall 01.2, booth D-05.

The new variety will be launched on the English market as 'Wild Cucumber' and on the Dutch market as 'Oerkomkommer'.

* Partners in this innovation project were Eosta, Enza Zaden, The University of Wageningen Greenhouse Culture, the Centre for Genetic Resources, LEI and grower Eef Maassen - all based in The Netherlands.
 

Neue biologische Gurkensorten schlagen an
Seit dieser Woche bringt Eosta zwei neue biologische Gurkensorten in den Handel: die Frühlingsgurke und die Urgurke. Aus erfolgreichen Ladentests in verschiedenen Alnatura-Geschäften ergab sich, dass diese neuen Sorten beim Verbraucher gut ankommen.

Die Urgurke ist wirklich eine vergessene Gurkensorte: dunkelgrün, von gangbarer Größe, mit rauer Schale. Diese Sorte wurde wiederentdeckt wegen ihrer besonderen Eigenschaften und ihres Aussehens. Die Frühlingsgurke ist eine hellgrüne, mittelgroße Gurke mit einem besonders frischen Geschmack. Die Urgurke wird pro Stück und die Frühlingsgurke pro zwei Stück verkauft in einer kompostierbaren Verpackung.

Die Markennamen der Gurken im Niederländischen sind Oerkomkommer und Lentekomkommer, im Englischen heißen sie Wild Cucumber en Spring Cucumber.

Die Frühlingsgurke und die Urgurke wurden vom Zentrum für genetische Quellen, Enza und Eosta, aus 50 verscheidenen Sorten selektiert.
Urgurke nominated for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award
With the submission of the Urgurke, an older type of Asian cucumber that has been selected in the co-innovation project ‘Forgotten species, new market opportunities’* for our conditions, Enza Zaden and Eosta are among the 10 nominees for the 2008 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award. The Urgurke is a truly forgotten type of cucumber: dark-green in colour, of normal size and with a rough skin. The Urgurke includes three innovations in one: a new cucumber with an authentic taste (innovation in product), the unique collaboration behind the product (innovation in development) and the environmentally friendly and original ‘baguette bag’ packaging (innovation in packaging). The entire concept for the Urgurke,harks back to generations past, “the strong values of yesteryear presented in a modern jacket”. This exceptional product appeals greatly to consumers, as shown by shop tests in Germany.

The FLIA winner will be chosen by visitors to Fruit Logistica during the trade fair, and you too are also eligible to vote. The prize will be awarded on Saturday 9 February during a special event.

* The Urgurke/old type of cucumber was created from a selection of 50 various species, made by the Centrum van Genetische Bronnen (Centre of Genetic Sources), Enza Zaden and Eosta.
“Wild Cucumbers" from Dutch research nominated for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2008 in Berlin
Source: Wageningen UR

The ‘Urgurke’ (wild cucumber or “Wild cues” in the UK) has been nominated for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2008 at the upcoming Fruit Logistica trade show in Berlin. Introduced to the market in 2007, the “Wild Cues” are the result of a co-innovation project with Enza Seeds, Eosta B.V and Wageningen UR. Dark green with prickles on the skin, this special cucumber has been the recipient of a great deal of interest from the Dutch and international markets. The “Wild Cues” are also highly suitable for organic cultivation.

The successful research approach will be presented at the Fruit Logistica show in February. A selection was made from a research group of 58 relatively wild cucumber varieties and the choice fell on a cucumber which was appealing to both consumers and organic farmers. Several Wageningen UR departments took part in the research: The Dutch Centre for Genetic Resources (CGN), LEI and Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture. The research was financed by industry partners and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

The ‘Urgurke’ or ‘Wild Cue’ is a genuine ‘forgotten’ cucumber variety: an old type of Asian cucumber with a dark green colour, normal size and rough, prickly skin. The variety was rediscovered due to its special characteristics and appearance, which make it an easily recognisable product at the retailer.

The scientists made their selection from a large, global range of cucumbers. Many of these cucumber varieties were tested for cultivation and presented to consumers, resulting in the selection of the best varieties. Eventually this led to the introduction of this wild cucumber, which was cultivated by three Dutch growers in 2007, led by Eef Maassen.

There has been interest in the wild cucumbers from a number of countries, including Germany and Great Britain. It has already been introduced to the German market as the ‘Urgurke’, while in Great Britain the cucumbers are known as ‘Wild Cues’.

The research report is available from the project leaders (Eric Poot and Arend Zeelenberg)

Other news from Enza Zaden

 

 

February 12, 2008

Organic 'Urgurke' awarded second place at Fruit Logistica 2008
 

 

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