On 3rd June 2013, a delegation from Israel visited the Fruit and Vegetable Market in Fondi (MOF), the experimental Top Seeds Italia greenhouse and some other tomato producer companies in the area. The delegation was made up of Michael Ofran, an important producer of table and Medjoul plum tomatoes in Tsofar (Arava desert), Avi Zilberstein, marketing manager of the AVIV Cooperative and Eyal Shani, the famous Israeli chef and food philosopher, owner of 4 restaurants and judge in "MASTER CHEF".
Photo above: Eyal Shani, Michael Ofran and Avi Zilberstein. Photo below: chef Eyal Shani in an Ape vehicle in MOF.
The group was chaperoned by Jan Leune, manager of Top Seeds Italia srl, the Italian branch if Israeli Top Seeds ltd.
Avi Zilberstein and Michael Ofran in a San Marzano greenhouse.
The aim of the visit was to exchange ideas and inspire new cultivation techniques to improve the quality and taste of fruits. Further reasons were the research for new table tomatoes for the Israeli market and the tasting of local products. The group was particularly interested in niche Italian products.
Photo above: processing of courgette flowers. Photo below: packed flowers.
The delegation explained that, despite advanced cultivation techniques, in Israel they tend to care more about the productivity and the shelf life of products, and often organoleptic characteristics are overlooked.
Chef Eyal Shani with TOP 2300 beefsteak tomatoes.
The group really appreciated the visits to Italian companies and tasted their products. At the end of their stay, they were able to taste a number of local dishes prepared by chef Pasquale Carfora from Sabaudia (in the photo below, together with chef Eyal Shani.)
Contacts:
Top Seeds Italia srl
Via Teodorico snc
04019 Terracina (LT)
Jan Leune
Cell.: (+39) 335 234884
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.topseedsltd.com
The perfect conclusion - tasting local products!