A wild cucumber with a crocodile-like skin and based on an ancient Asian variety is making a comeback across Europe.

Since scooping the run-up prize at the Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards in 2008, very little has happened with the Urgurke, but that is about to change with a re-launch planned by organic specialists Eosta.

Grown in the Netherlands and sold under the Nature & More label, approximately 10 pallets a week, approximately 5-6 metric tons (MT), will be distributed across Europe, including Germany, Denmark, France and the Netherlands.

Volumes are expected to increase as the season progresses.

"When we won the silver medal at the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award back in 2008, we knew the wild cucumber had the potential to be a success in the market," Eosta lead buyer Janco Koole told www.freshfruitportal.com. 

"However, we also realized we had to learn a lot more about the ideal circumstances regarding soil and climate.

"Now, following numerous tests and trials, we are ready to move to the next level," Koole said.

Koole expected the re-launch to be a success because of the extraordinary taste and appearance as well as a general lack of innovation in the cucumber sector over the last few years.

"When you look at the cucumber shelf in the supermarket, things have been a bit quiet on the innovation front. With the wild cucumber we are looking forward to changing this.

"The wild cucumber is a variety that originates in Asia. In 2006-07, scientists from Wageningen University made a selection from a large, global range of different 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 organic wild cucumber."

A distinguished wild vegetable

With its bumpy, prickly, dark-green colored skin, the wild cucumber stands out on the shelves, Koole said.

"Furthermore, it is refreshingly crisp, moist and juicy with a strong cucumber taste due to the fact that it contains less water than a standard cucumber.

"It is very firm making it great to cut and has a good shelf life so it is not necessary to seal it.

"The main markets are health food stores. Furthermore, we will be conducting some trials with a number of European retailers. We are very excited about this project because it really is an innovation and unique."

www.freshfruitportal.com