After six years, Peter and Jolanda van der Heijden from Gemert have regained the title: their asparagus is the best in the province. That was decided by the seven-member jury of the Brabants Asperge Genootschap on Monday evening, after a strict inspection.
As befits a good winner, Peter remains humble in his initial reaction. “Of course you don’t count on it. There are so many participants and they all deliver a good product. So it was certainly a surprise when they just called our name.”
Yet that is precisely what makes the asparagus farmer all the more proud. “Six years ago we were also the best, so apparently we’re doing something right. What’s the secret? Pooh…I think the combination between the fertilization, the type of soil and the variety.”
Peters asparagus champion, PSV champion
What ultimately made the difference, Peter doesn’t really care. “We’re going to have a little party tonight.” And he already has an idea for Tuesday. “Six years ago I sent some winning asparagus to PSV, my club. Then they became champions. That chance still exists, so tomorrow another box will go that way.”