We recently paid an interesting visit to one of our new, unique tomato growers; Koos van der Burg. He has been growing tomatoes for over 30 years for one of the largest supermarktchains in the Netherlands, where only the best of the best tomatoes are accepted. He exclusively grows a special variety of plum tomatoes for them. He now grows these plum tomatoes for us as well so that we can also supply them! In addition, he can also supply us with something else exclusive... Find out more about the taste and exclusivity.
Koos used to grow various crops like lettuce and pak choi. Later on, he switched to tomatoes. After he came in contact with the supermarket chain, he started growing his plum tomatoes exclusively for them. The variety is the Plumola tomato which has a unique flavor and is suitable for many applications. The tomato can be used in many ways, but it is especially suitable for pastas and soups," says Koos. This is due to the specific flavor and structure of this tomato. The taste of the tomatoes is very important to Koos. Quality over quantity. That is why he wants plum tomatoes with a brix value of more than 4. 'A tomato must have taste!
Trends over the years
That the quality of tomatoes is becoming more important is clear to Koos. According to him, there is a positive development in which the quality of tomatoes is becoming increasingly important. This involves not only taste, but also the shelf life of the tomato. This shift has taken place particularly over the last 5 years. Food awareness and a healthy lifestyle certainly plays a role in this. 'In the past there used to be cigarettes on the table at birthdays here in the Netherlands, now they are replaced with bowls filled with small tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers' , says Koos. As BE Fresh we like to contribute to this trend!
Extension of the plum tomato assortment
At BE Fresh we also strive for quality. Therefore a grower with a lot of experience and passion such as Koos fits in well with us. Although Koos grows his Tomatoes exclusively for the supermarket chain, we have also started a partnership with him. This allows us to offer his Plumola Plum tomatoes to our partners! With this addition, we can supply the following plum tomatoes:
- Red Egg plum tomato: Contains more flesh compared to other plum tomatoes and retains the leakage of moisture when cut.
- Intense plum tomato: especially known for its ability to retain moisture when cut, it is very suitable for use in the kitchen.
- Plumola plum tomato: Particularly flavorful compared to other plum tomatoes and thus widely used, but especially suitable for pastas and soups. The tomato is internally red so also nice for presentation.
Keep experimenting
Koos grows a number of special tomato varieties in small quantities. In cooperation with seed breeders he tests different varieties. This is a matter of experimenting but sometimes yields beautiful results with tasty tomatoes! And those tasty ones we can supply to you! Wanna taste? For more information, please contact Jim Boers
