New tomato variety and colorful carrots debuted by Nunhems
New tomato variety and colorful carrots debuted by Nunhems
LAS VEGAS, NV -- With commercial production slated to kick off in late 2008 and first shipments leaving Mexican hothouses in January 2009, the driving forces behind the "Intense Tomato" are betting on solid reception on multiple market levels.
Additionally, new varieties of colored carrots are making their way into produce departments. Both crops are from seed developed by Nunhems and are part of the program at the global company's Parma, ID, facility.
Noting that seed for the Roma-type tomato was more than 20 years in development, Nunhems Crop Sales Manager Jeff Boettge told The Produce News May 5 at the United Fresh Produce Association expo, here, that the seed giant worked with Italian breeder Franco Vecchio to bring the nearly gel-less, firm-fleshed, heightened-colored, intensely flavored beauty to this point.
And Produce Exchange category experts and sales/marketing principals Don Held and Sam Jones said that their California-based operation has coordinated greenhouse growers in three Mexican growing regions for seamless, consistent supplies.
"As seed growers, our objective is to produce seed for consistent supply," Mr. Boettge said, adding that the "Intense Tomato" is an indeterminate, or pole- type, plant best suited for growing under glass in Mexico. That kind of production works well for Produce Exchange, according to Mr. Jones.
"This protected supply gives us what we need," Mr. Jones said. "Our goal is to have the 'Intense Tomato' 365 days and to have it always the same quality." Mr. Held described the new variety, which will eventually be available in round as well as small and varied colored types, as being without the typical gel that surrounds tomato seeds. Without that gel, the flesh is firmer, redder and has a more pronounced tomato aroma. Its interior consistency is comparable to a cucumber, and the "Intense" can be sliced paper-thin.
The men agreed that the Roma is perfectly suited for retail but is equally good for foodservice and processing.
Mr. Jones said that reception has been positive and that production will expand to another one or two facilities. Within 18 months, the group expects to ship up to 12 loads per week. Organic production is also possible.
John Erb, carrot crop sales manager for the Americas, said that the SunLite, a very bright yellow hybrid, was added to Nunhems colored carrot line this year. There are now six colors in the carrot line, ranging from the pale, cream- colored Cr?me de Lite to a more vibrant orange Sherbet to the dusky Black Knight. The company also has red carrots and a purple variety with lighter, orange flesh.
"These varieties grow well in California and have been adapted for production on the East Coast, Canada and Mexico," Mr. Erb said. Some limitations on production exist "depending on variety," and organic carrots could be grown from the seed, he added.
"When we are developing the seed, we consider all attributes for the carrots," Mr. Erb said. "Those include agronomics, color, eating quality and nutrition." And he said that while six are in commercial production, more colored varieties are in trial stages now.
"We're seeing good interest internationally, and we believe the United States will lead the way with colored carrots," Mr. Erb noted.
Additionally, new varieties of colored carrots are making their way into produce departments. Both crops are from seed developed by Nunhems and are part of the program at the global company's Parma, ID, facility.
Noting that seed for the Roma-type tomato was more than 20 years in development, Nunhems Crop Sales Manager Jeff Boettge told The Produce News May 5 at the United Fresh Produce Association expo, here, that the seed giant worked with Italian breeder Franco Vecchio to bring the nearly gel-less, firm-fleshed, heightened-colored, intensely flavored beauty to this point.
And Produce Exchange category experts and sales/marketing principals Don Held and Sam Jones said that their California-based operation has coordinated greenhouse growers in three Mexican growing regions for seamless, consistent supplies.
"As seed growers, our objective is to produce seed for consistent supply," Mr. Boettge said, adding that the "Intense Tomato" is an indeterminate, or pole- type, plant best suited for growing under glass in Mexico. That kind of production works well for Produce Exchange, according to Mr. Jones.
"This protected supply gives us what we need," Mr. Jones said. "Our goal is to have the 'Intense Tomato' 365 days and to have it always the same quality." Mr. Held described the new variety, which will eventually be available in round as well as small and varied colored types, as being without the typical gel that surrounds tomato seeds. Without that gel, the flesh is firmer, redder and has a more pronounced tomato aroma. Its interior consistency is comparable to a cucumber, and the "Intense" can be sliced paper-thin.
The men agreed that the Roma is perfectly suited for retail but is equally good for foodservice and processing.
Mr. Jones said that reception has been positive and that production will expand to another one or two facilities. Within 18 months, the group expects to ship up to 12 loads per week. Organic production is also possible.
John Erb, carrot crop sales manager for the Americas, said that the SunLite, a very bright yellow hybrid, was added to Nunhems colored carrot line this year. There are now six colors in the carrot line, ranging from the pale, cream- colored Cr?me de Lite to a more vibrant orange Sherbet to the dusky Black Knight. The company also has red carrots and a purple variety with lighter, orange flesh.
"These varieties grow well in California and have been adapted for production on the East Coast, Canada and Mexico," Mr. Erb said. Some limitations on production exist "depending on variety," and organic carrots could be grown from the seed, he added.
"When we are developing the seed, we consider all attributes for the carrots," Mr. Erb said. "Those include agronomics, color, eating quality and nutrition." And he said that while six are in commercial production, more colored varieties are in trial stages now.
"We're seeing good interest internationally, and we believe the United States will lead the way with colored carrots," Mr. Erb noted.
