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Check out our latest June issue – the refreshing watermelon edition! 🍉
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From wraps to kimchi
Sauerkraut may be on the decline, but its consumption has been stable for years.
The way we eat sauerkraut is changing: from stew to an oven dish, as a side dish, or in a salad. “A new, young target group has discovered the health benefits of fermented products. That gives cabbage a boost.
The majority of red cabbage goes to the processing industry. They end up cut into vegetable packets or pre-cooked in jars. About 70% of white cabbage goes to processing plants and other processors. This is preferably done as soon as possible after harvest, according to Maarten Danenberg, product manager of Hazera. The remaining 30% of the white cabbage in the Netherlands ends up on the shelf in its entirety. That proportion is higher with pointed cabbage, says Danenberg: “Pointed cabbage is easier to cut in your own kitchen. And we’re seeing more and more recipes with half or a quarter of pointed cabbage, pan-fried or grilled on the barbecue.”
Pointed cabbage is one of the head cabbages that is clearly growing in volume, Danenberg observes: “Not spectacular; a few percent per year. But that increase has been going on for about twenty years.” The development is coming from the United Kingdom, especially to the Netherlands and Germany.” Popular varieties at Hazera are Regency and Dutchman (for summer cultivation) and Marshal (storage). We also see growth in our flat cabbage varieties like Callaway & Catelya for Central Europe, the Balkans and Turkey.
It originated with development of varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of purpose specific varieties. Our Research and Breeding teams are closely connected to our global network of subsidiaries and distributors, through whom we are in touch with the latest industry trends and preferred requirements within the various Brassica crops.
“I’m thrilled to debut in the Hazera newsletter and share exciting updates about Hazera’s new additions to our watermelon portfolio, especially our latest developments.”
~ Rafael Mora – Eastern Sales Manager
Working alongside our fantastic team of breeders, product developers, and sales professionals, Hazera has been diligently visiting fields, listening to customers, and witnessing firsthand how our products meet and exceed market demands.
With a market trending towards convenience and exceptional eating experience for consumers, high-yielding, resistance package and sustainable results for growers, and transportability and extended freshness for shippers, Hazera has been working hard over the last few seasons to create a new line of watermelons that will surprise the industry.
One of the key benefits of our watermelons is their convenient size. Hazera is already renowned in the industry for its successful line of convenient small-sized watermelons. Building on this success, we are now innovating with mini watermelons and also introducing a line of regular-sized watermelons. These new varieties boast superior internal quality, flavor, juiciness, crunchiness, and vibrant colored flesh while maintaining these traits for a long period of time. And, of course, they are seedless.
Our new watermelon line offers the market a complete portfolio of advanced varieties, ensuring shippers and retailers can manage a product that arrives in perfect condition and maintains its freshness both internally and externally for a long time. Growers will also benefit from high-yielding varieties that are easy to cultivate and come with robust resistance packages, including resistance to Powdery Mildew.
With these new additions, Hazera is assembling one of the most comprehensive and innovative assortments of watermelon varieties providing solutions for diverse needs across the supply chain.
Join us at our upcoming watermelon field days to see these exciting developments firsthand. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore our latest news and varieties.
Sign up now to our >> Woodland field days here <<
Looking forward to seeing you in the field!
“It brings back memories of my childhood, eagerly awaiting the moment after hamburgers and hot dogs on a scorching summer day barbecue or family gatherings, anticipating the slicing of that massive watermelon. We’d grab our half slice of that that juicy watermelon, and the fun would begin. We’d munch away, our faces turning red, sugary juices dribbling down on our cheeks, and we’d be engaging in seed-spitting contests. The joy of chasing a friend, spitting seeds, and seeing them with a big black seed stuck to their face was pure victory!”
~ Barry Younkin – Western Sales manager
But let’s not let this be just nostalgia; it can be a reality today. Hazera is dedicated to breeding seeded watermelons, both large and small, catering to consumers who crave that old-fashioned taste. Just like Virgo, reminiscent of the taste of yesteryears, a family-sized, massive 20–25-pound watermelon or Mirella, a mini seeded variety that still delivers that nostalgic flavor.
At Hazera, we breed for everyone. For the nostalgic, craving the black seed and unmatched taste, Hazera’s Virgo is an excellent choice. For smaller families or those with limited refrigeration space, we offer mini-seeded options, all with exceptional taste. And, most importantly, for farmers who need high yields and cutting-edge technology to thrive in challenging economic and environmental conditions.
To meet today’s demands, we must ensure fruit availability year-round, which is leading to long-distance shipping from the southern hemisphere and coast-to-coast transport. We continuously improve our seeded portfolio, focusing on the best internal qualities and flavor and at the same time, we consider growers’ feedback crucial, breeding for grafting to adapt to global shipping and depleted lands. That is why, besides our seeded portfolio, we are also focusing on our mini seedless watermelon portfolio.
Hence, we cannot write about watermelons without mentioning one of our top varieties, Onza, a mini seedless watermelon that stands out for its exceptional qualities. Onza boasts high yields, fortified with resistance against powdery mildew, and is supported by a robust vine, ensuring its vitality throughout the growing season.
One of Onza’s standout features is its impeccable rind-to-flesh ratio, making it an optimal choice for shipping without compromising on quality. With its vibrant deep red internal color, Onza is not only visually appealing but also promises a lengthy shelf life, earning it a cherished spot among consumers.
Furthermore, Onza delights with its high brix content, ensuring a sweet and flavorful taste with every bite. Its balanced plant structure contributes to its overall resilience, while its compact size, with an average ratio of 50/50% of 6 and 8 watermelons per box, adds to its practicality.
Designed for freshness, Onza is best enjoyed as a fresh-cut treat, perfect for satisfying cravings and adding a burst of flavor to any meal. Its round shape and tiger rind pattern further enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it a standout choice for both growers and consumers alike.
In summary, Onza represents the epitome of quality and innovation in the world of seedless mini watermelons, offering not only superior taste but also convenience and longevity. With its resistance to powdery mildew and impressive yield, it stands as a testament to excellence in agricultural advancement.
Hazera strives to bring back the taste of the good old days, ensuring consumer satisfaction and grower profitability.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore our latest news and varieties.
Sign up now to our >> Woodland field days here <<
Looking forward to seeing you in the field!
