Wageningen, The Netherlands
January 31, 2008
 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’. |
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