A local and sustainable product, the journey from plant to classy table.
Between the fields in Noorderwijk, Antwerp, a number of greenhouses rise from the horizon. They belong to Den Berck Délice. Once a small town tomato dealer who grew out to be one of the biggest in Belgium. They held on to their core values of local produce and sustainability despite the success they booked the last years. In this picture you see the greenhouse where it all started, and as you see it is still being used.Their tomatoes are planted on hydroculture carpets. This is not only better for the plant and the planting process, but also on an environmental level. The absorption of water is optimal and the surplus can be filtered and recycled. No water gets lost.An innovative and low-emission heating system is necessary for the growing of the tomato. Den Berck Délice uses a modified gas driven motor that warms the place. They use a combination of blue energy ( the motor) and green energy ( solar panels and water circulation). Nothing gets lost in the process, they use as little gas as possible, use the cooling water for the system as extra heating ( for the greenhouse, the offices, packing hall, …), and donate extra energy to the local power net.Towards the end of the cycle, they open big bottles of banana gas. They speed up the ripening process without hurting nature or polluting anything. Without using any chemical products or really polluting artificial methods, they create a delicious bunch on tomatoes. Ready to be harvestedThey use a mix of local and foreign people to carry out the harvesting process. Last year, a project was set up working together with the refugee center in Ranst. They hired people to harvest, paid them, gave them a home and opportunities to grow within the company. This year the still maintain the project and started to do the same for people who are fleeing the Ukraine.After the harvest they are packed and locally distributed.The shining red result of the process.Local chef Redda from Bistro Julienne makes little art pieces with these local shiny tomatoes. They like to work with local produce because of the sustainability and the quality.A variety of tomatoes cured in vinegar with a raw tangy salad. A beautiful end of the chain.
We gebruiken cookies om ervoor te zorgen dat onze website zo soepel mogelijk draait. Als je doorgaat met het gebruiken van de website, gaan we er vanuit dat ermee instemt.Oke
