If you open the Lidl folder this week, you will see very special Bossche bollen on page 18. It may not seem so strange that the supermarket sells the Brabant delicacy, but it does seem that they call it an ‘African speciality’. What’s up with that?
They are really there. In the middle of South African products such as Milk tarts and baking mix for Malva pudding. Two for 2.89 euros. ‘Chocolate bun with zebra stripes filled with whipped cream’, the photo reads.
What do they think of that at the famous Jan de Groot confectionery in Den Bosch? After all, they are the authority when it comes to Bossche bollen. An employee says that it seems to be partly correct. “A Bossche bol is a choux with whipped cream and real chocolate. We sell an average of 5000 per day.”
But from Africa? “What do you say?” it sounds in disbelief. No, they have not yet established a link with Africa at the Bossche baker. “No idea. Do you know that, Jan?” She asks the baker herself. “No, the baker doesn’t say anything either. And a Bossche ball with zebra stripes, we don’t have that here either.”
“It means nothing to me and I lived in Africa for a few years myself.”
Maybe at the Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek? After all, that is a ‘piece of Africa’ in Brabant. The operator says nothing like that. And a colleague who calls back later cannot tell what a Bossche bol has to do with Africa.
Maybe they know more at travel agency Matoke Tours. They are located in Den Bosch and are specialized in Africa travel. “I’ve asked around, but it doesn’t tell anyone here anything. Neither do I and I lived in Africa for a few years myself. Are we going to take them home ourselves? No, I don’t think so.”
Then let’s pin our hopes on science. We may have better luck at the Africa Study Center of Leiden University. dr. Harry Wels is clearly also surprised by our question. “A Bossche Bol? I’ve never encountered one in Africa,” he says.
“The only explanation I see is that a Bossche bol is also called a small moorkop, but that is quite sensitive these days.” And those zebra stripes? “It looks like a way of making the product African.”
“I can write down your number, but can’t guarantee they’ll call you back.”
In view of the appearance of the Bossche bol, establishing a link with Africa is not so wise, according to him. “No, looking at history and how sensitive it is today, I wouldn’t have chosen it myself.”
All the more reason to give Lidl a call. Who is making this up? Because the press department does not respond, we call consumer service. “A Bossche bol from Africa? I’ll have to check that,” says a friendly employee in the call center.
“On page 18”, we help. “Ah, found it. I see it. No, the Bossche bol does not seem African to me. I’ll have to ask.” After some waiting: “The press office can only be reached by email. I can write down your number, but I can’t guarantee that they will call you back. But I understand your question.”
