BELGIUM supplier Agra Claessens made an early start on its new potato sales to accommodate Easter demand.
In the Moerzeke region of East Flanders, consumers were keen to see the first Moese Patatten, a recognised Flemish regional specialty, on the market.
Moese Potatoes are traditionally grown in the bend of the Scheldt River, where early potatoes, grown under foil or in greenhouses, are better protected from spring frosts and were less impacted by cold weather than varieties grown in regions on higher sandy soils, according to Stijn Windey of Agra Claessens.
Stijn said: “Had it not been for Easter, we might have waited a little longer, but they’re looking very good, and we didn’t want to deprive people of the delicious combination of new potatoes and asparagus on the Easter menu.”
The supplier was the first in Flanders to harvest potatoes. The grower said the clay soil ives the potatoes a bit more flavour.
“Twenty years ago, we were among the first in the region to start growing early potatoes in greenhouses, but since then, early cultivation has become more common in Tholen and across Flanders. Still, we’ve been able to start earlier again this year compared to last season.”
He said this year’s quality had been good, planting had been on time and low temperatures had been minimal.
Source: Fresh Plaza Photo: streekproduct.be
