For the past few weeks, regulars of the West Friesland Food Bank have been given a special vegetable in their parcel: 'dobbersla’ (floating lettuce). This type of lettuce is grown on water at the trial garden in Zwaagdijk-Oost. "The lettuce used to go in the container, but the people over at the food bank can put it to much better use."
It’s a strange sight: trays of lettuce, floating on the water. If one of the plants is lifted, only the roots of the plant are visible. "Four hundred crates of lettuce have already been harvested. Not quite enough for trade, but perfect for the Food Bank. Shame to throw it away," says Jan Botman.
Botman has been experimenting with cultivation on water for years. He himself developed the system, and after eight years he is finally ready to present it. The "water-lettuce" is a special challenge and Botman is happy it works. "This year we’ll reach 600 crates," he says.
The Food Bank is delighted with the addition to the weekly meal.
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