The question is: “Why are cucumbers packed in plastic? Often you see that even with organic cucumbers and with ordinary cucumbers.” The questioner would rather remain anonymous, but our search brought us to Erica, where we took a look at Drenthe Growers. There we spoke with Layla van der Veen, who knows exactly what it is like.
The plastic around the cucumber is not just for the decorative. Especially the cucumbers that come from abroad, for example from Spain, are often packed in a thin layer of foil. “That is purely to extend the shelf life,” says Van der Veen. “During the long journey to the Netherlands, the plastic helps to keep the cucumber fresh.” And that also applies to organic cucumbers: they also regularly come from abroad, and therefore in plastic.
In addition, there is another reason why organic cucumbers are often in plastic. You cannot see on the outside whether a cucumber has been grown organically. “With plastic you ensure that there is no confusion on the shelf,” Van der Veen explains. It is therefore a practical way to prevent misunderstandings at the cash register and while filling the courses.
The foil on a cucumber does not necessarily say anything about sustainability. In fact, the differences between organic and common grown are getting smaller and smaller. “With organic cultivation you work with nature, without fertilizer or pesticides,” says Van der Veen. “But because no artificial light or heated greenhouses are used, it takes longer before you can harvest.” In the usual cultivation, modern techniques are used to work more efficiently. As a result, the consumption of energy and water per cucumber is often lower.
According to Drenthe Growers, both forms of cultivation are fast on the way to a joint future: the sustainable cucumber. One system opts for peace and nature, the other for innovation and efficiency. Van der Veen: “The great thing is that we are increasingly learning from each other. In the end we all want the same thing: an environmentally friendly and tasty cucumber, grown with as little impact as possible.”