Bell pepper

Peppers have a firm pericarp. Beneath the pericarp is a white core, which contains the seeds. Peppers are also called sweet peppers or bell peppers. The most common colours are yellow, red, green and orange, but they also come in special colours such as brown, lilac and purple. Peppers are delicious when eaten raw, in a salad, stir-fry or stuffed and grilled. Dutch peppers are available all year round, except in January and February. June to October is the height of the pepper season.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a long, plump fruit with a crunchy green skin. The flesh is transparent white with a jelly-like core containing edible seed. It is often used raw in salads or on bread to give it some ‘bite’, but it is also delicious in soups or stir-fries. Cucumbers are available in the Netherlands from January to November.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a fresh taste and are extremely juicy. They are available in many varieties. Tomatoes are also suitable for a wide range of preparations: in soup, in sauce or grilled, for instance. Many healthy nutrients are present in tomatoes. Tomatoes also contain potassium, which plays a major role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Dutch tomatoes are plentiful from January until November.

Eggplant

Eggplants have a neutral flavour which makes them a popular ingredient in many dishes. They are delicate fruits that are sensitive to temperatures below 15 °C, meaning they should not be stored in the refrigerator. Eggplants grown in the Netherlands are available from February until November. Supply is dependent on import in the remaining months.

Stockpiling products

In the fresh market, we also specialise in stockpiling products. These products are usually harvested/cut in large quantities at the end of the season for storage in cold stores, where conditions are optimised for long-term storage (at times when this is no longer possible in the open). JH Wagenaar BV specialises in the storage of cabbage, celeriac, carrots, turnips, beetroot, onions and potatoes.

Eggplant

Eggplants have a neutral flavour which makes them a popular ingredient in many dishes. They are delicate fruits that are sensitive to temperatures below 15 °C, meaning they should not be stored in the refrigerator. Eggplants grown in the Netherlands are available from February until November. Supply is dependent on import in the remaining months.

Celeriac

Celeriac is a fairly large, pale brown tuber, approximately 15 cm in diameter, with lots of nodes and roots. Like white and green celery, celeriac is part of the celery family. It is the thick, edible root of the celery plant. Celeriac is grown for its tuber, but the green leaves can also be eaten. Celeriac with leaves is only available in the early spring. Celeriac has a creamy white colour on the inside. It has an aromatic smell and sweetish taste. Celeriac is a traditional vegetable in the Netherlands, where it is typically used in pea soup and celery salad. It is available all year round.

Opperdoezer Ronde

The Opperdoezer Ronde is a small, yellow/white fleshed potato with a yellow skin and an irregular shape. It is a waxy potato. The potato’s extremely thin skin makes it fragile, which is why it is harvested by hand. The Opperdoezer Ronde is an early potato that is harvested from late June until late September. The Opperdoezer Ronde is available until the end of December. It is a unique potato that may only be grown in the Dutch village of Opperdoes. Opperdoezer Ronde is a protected name in Europe.

Red cabbage

Red cabbage is oval to round in shape, has smooth, dark-red to purple outer leaves and a spherical, closed, red head. Red cabbage has a typical cabbage taste. This cabbage is perfect for mashed potato and vegetable dishes, as well as in salads and casseroles. Red cabbage grown in the Netherlands is available all year round.

White cabbage

White cabbage has smooth, creamy white to pale green outer leaves and a spherical, closed and firm head. White cabbage has a typical cabbage taste and is perfect for mashed potato and vegetable dishes as well as in salads and casseroles. Traditionally, cabbage is a winter vegetable but nowadays it is available all year round in the Netherlands.

Cabbage

Conical cabbage is a member of the white cabbage family, yet is somewhat milder in flavour. Although conical cabbage can be eaten raw in salads, other possibilities include stewing, boiling or stir-frying it. In the Netherlands, conical cabbage is in season from roughly May through March.

Beets

Red beets are related to sugar beets and fodder beets. They grow in elongated and round varieties, although the latter is more common. Red beets are available year-round.

Carrot

The carrot belongs to the Umbelliferae family. It is a large, thick, orange root. Rich in vitamin A, carrots are delicious and wholesome. They are nice and crunchy, the ideal snack, and can be fried, boiled, stewed or even stir-fried. Dutch carrots are available all year round.

Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are tiny cabbages that grow on a stalk; they are bright green in colour. The taste is bitter, although some varieties cultivated today have a slightly sweet flavour as well. Dutch Brussels sprouts are available from October through February.

Broccoli

Broccoli is often used in stir-fry dishes. It is also frequently seen in salads. Broccoli is extremely good for you, as it contains numerous antioxidants. Dutch broccoli is available from May until November. Supply is dependent on import in the remaining months.

Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is pleasantly fresh and crisp. It is often used for salads or in a sandwich. Iceberg salad grown in the Netherlands is available all summer long. Supply is dependent on import in the remaining months.

Chicory

Chicory has traditionally been known for its bitter taste. When chicory is stir-fried, however, its flavour becomes sweet instead. Chicory is often eaten raw in salads or baked into casseroles. Chicory is available year-round.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a tasty, easily digestible type of cabbage with plenty of different ways to prepare it. The best known dish in the Netherlands is the typically Dutch meatball with potatoes and cauliflower with white sauce or cheese sauce. Cauliflower is also delicious in a stir-fry. Cauliflower comes in white, green and even purple-red varieties. Another variety is Romanesco, which has a yellow-green pyramid-shaped head and a milder and sweeter taste than white cauliflower. Cauliflower grown in the Netherlands is available from late June until early November.