Mulders Sierteelt is a Dutch perennial company of Piet and José Mulders. They produce primarily physalis, also known as Chinese lantern plants, an ornamental plant for the garden.
There is also a physalis with edible berries, the Inca berry. The Latin name of this Inca berry is Physalis Peruviana. The golden berries are locked up in a calcye or lantern. You could say that the Inca berry wrapped itself in thin paper-like leaves which are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. The berry has yellow flesh and small edible soft seeds. The flavour of the ripe berries is sweet-sour and has a pineapple like taste. In addition, golden berries are a rich source of various vitamins and proteins and are one of the few crop-based sources of vitamin B12. The golden berries are noted in the herb therapy as antibacterial, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and for increasing resistance.
Piet and José, here in the stand at the Seasonal Trade Fair in Naaldwijk earlier this month.
For a number of years now Piet and José have been trying to grow this plant without success, until during a horse-riding holiday in South-America they spoke a grower who grows hectares with edible phsysalis berries and exports these to Europe. After Piet and José were well provided with full dishes of physalis berries, they agreed with the South American grower, that they could get stock material from him to try these in the Netherlands. Once they returned home they started immediately with a trial – and with success. The golden berries are ripening well in the Dutch climate and have a delicious flavor.
New concept
Mulders Sierteelt searched for a way to launch the berries on the market. In addition to supplying garden centres, Piet and José created a new concept, whereby the consumer can purchase the golden berry directly. From early April onwards at www.incagoudbes.nl consumers can order 3 plants in a box which fit through the letterbox. From 1 May onwards - just in time for Mother's Day - the seedlings are actually deliverable. The plants have already developed healthy roots and can be planted in patio pots from at least 25 cm or in the garden. A pot is preferred, because the soil in a pot warms faster and the plant will thrive better in warm soil. The plant must be protected from frost during the night. The golden berries can be picked from the start of September.
Finaly Mulders Sierteelt launched their website www.physalisrecepten.eu. Here consumers can get tasty ideas on how the berry can be used in recipes. "Golden ripe berries are also delicious to eat pure. Remove the stem and the lantern, wash the fruit in water and eat them as finger food!"
For more information:
Mulders SierteeltPiet en José Mulders
Voorteindseweg 11a
5091 TJ Middelbeers
T: 013-5142198
F: 013-5143480
E: info@mulders-sierteelt.nl
www.mulders-sierteelt.nl