Page 27 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2024/25

Did you know?
Shallot – Hative de Niort
The Hative de Niort shallot variety was originally cultivated by local farmers for personal consumption and trade in the Niort region of France. These shallots gradually gained popularity for their distinct taste and culinary versatility and are part of the heritage of the Niort region.
This Shallot variety is an heirloom variety that has been passed down from generation to generation preserving its unique characteristics and ensuring its continued presence. Heirloom varieties often have a strong connection to a specific region or community, like Niort. Unlike hybrid plants, heirloom plants are open-pollinated, which means that they will reliably reproduce true to type year after year if isolated from other varieties to prevent cross-pollination.
Hative de Niort remains one of the most popular shallot varieties for both eating and exhibiting alike. If you thin shallots out, by firmly pressing down on the one’s you want to remove, the remaining bulbs will grow bigger and with a more even shape which is ideal for cooking as well as showing. You can also eat the thinning’s so there’s no waste.
This shallot also ripens to a deep brown colour.
NVS National
Championships 2025
The 2025 National Championships will be hosted
by the Scottish Branch. They will be held at the Ayr Racecourse alongside the local Ayr & District Flower show on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of August 2025.
The last time the National Championships were held in Ayr was in 1990, so we are very much looking forward to it.
The Scottish Branch Committee have already been working hard to ensure they plan all that’s required for
a successful show, so please keep an eye on the NVS website and social media for updates in addition to your Quarterly SV Magazines.
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