Beetroot
With the G’s expertise in the factory processing of beetroot, the team are focused on identifying the optimum varieties for processing, while our organic teams are focused on optimisation of beetroot for bunching.
The G’s Beetroot team have embarked on a process with the leading beetroot breeders to identify the best varieties for our unique processing technology.
This summer the beetroot team have extensive beetroot trials across the farm, with a range of seed partners to explore the opportunities within our systems and identify the key deliverables that would be required to develop a unique “Love Beets” / G’s Fresh Beetroot variety.
Size is Key!
As a multi germ crop, selecting beetroot at the right size and matching the size to the processing specification is key to ensuring quality and speed through the factory. Within the factory process we are seeking increased amount of smaller sizes for inclusion in our premium infused beetroot products.
Across our trials and varietal selection we are seeking to fine tune beetroot varieties so they work within our processing factories and deliver sweet taste. With our global reach we can share best practices and insights across multiple growing environments .”
Beetroot for Bunching
Alongside our beetroot for processing we have a significant program of conventional and organic beetroot for bunching.
Throughout the season we have trials in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to test and trial colourded varieties that could work alongside the traditional red varieties in specialty bunches.
In the winter our beetroot trials will be replicate at G’ Espana.
Requirements for bunching are different as we are looking for stronger leaf quality compared to what we are seeking for processing.
Agronomic Trials
We are working with all of our beetroot seed partners to upgrade the portfolio of beet varieties beet key targets including:
Improved Resistances
- Rhizomania resistance (“root madness”)
- Cercosphora / strong leaf (leaf spot fungi disease)
- Improved Taste
- Monitoring brix, folate, fibre, potassium, geosmin.
- Geosmin linked to earthiness.
- Nutritional content (incl brix)
Improved Visual & Processability
- Colour optimisation and performance through storage
- Colour post processing
- Ease of peel
- Crown management / removal
Through the UK season will will run numerous plot trials with Greens of Soham, which are then replicated with our Southern European growers as well as in US. Our key period of assessment of processing material takes place in October.
Love Beets
Through our network of global partnerships in beetroot production, spanning, the USA, Australia, South Africa, The Netherlands, Germany and The Czech Republic.
We are able to share ideas, best practice and insights between teams to ensure we are keeping in touch with global developments within the beetroot category.
While also sharing best practice of pack format, packaging, processing and marketing innovations.