Maker Β· Vegetables
Bruin polderpeen: carrots with flavour from Dirkshoorn
Winter carrot from the Bruin family grows slowly on heavy polder clay in the head of North Holland. That gives a deep orange colour, a sweet earthy flavour, and a firm texture that keeps its shape in the pan.
The story
Who's behind it
The Bruin family grows under the name Bruin Vegetables in Dirkshoorn, in the head of North Holland. The business sits on heavy, nutrient-rich polder clay and specialises in root crops. The approach is down to earth: crop rotation, careful soil management and years of experience with carrots. Alongside the winter carrot, turnip comes from the same land, so you source several root crops from the same grower and the same soil.
Why these carrots
Carrots on heavy clay grow more slowly than on light sandy soil and build up more sugar and dry matter in that time. That gives the deep orange colour and the sweet, earthy flavour. In the kitchen, texture counts most. With the high dry matter the carrot keeps its shape when roasted and in a puree, and stays crisp when you use it raw or fermented.
It's a storage carrot, so you get the same carrot from the same polder all year, with predictable colour and flavour. The carrot you order in November behaves the same in March. You get it loose by the kilo or in boxes of 20 kg.
In your kitchen
Put on the menu where this carrot comes from: the Bruin family, the polder clay of Dirkshoorn, slowly grown. Keep the carrot large. A whole roasted carrot as a vegetable course shows off the sweet, concentrated flavour. Pair the orange carrot with yellow winter carrot for colour on the plate, or set it beside the turnip from the same grower for a dish that comes entirely from one polder.
Chefβs tip
Roast thick whole pieces on a bed of coarse salt until the outside caramelises. The high dry matter keeps the heart firm, so you get bite and a concentrated, sweet flavour.
How to use it
Ideas for your menu
Roasted carrot with leaf celery and hazelnut
Whole or half carrot roasted slowly, finish with a fresh herb oil.
Fine carrot puree under fish or game
High dry matter gives a smooth, firm puree.
Raw carrot ribbons with citrus
Thinly shaved, the carrot stays crisp, good against acid and salt.
Fermented carrot as garnish
Firm texture holds its bite through fermentation.
For your menu
βWinter carrot from Bruin family, slowly grown on the polder clay of Dirkshoornβ
Products from Bruin polderpeen
What we carry from this maker
Orange winter carrot (Bruin family, Dirkshoorn)
The core carrot of this page. Loose by kilo or in box of 20 kg.
Turnip (Bruin family, Dirkshoorn)
From the same land and grower, different root crop.
Yellow winter carrot
For colour contrast on the plate. Different Dutch grower.
Mini orange bunched carrots
Fine little carrots for spring and summer menus.
Prices and availability are in the portal. Become a customer or log in to order.
Taste it in your own kitchen
Book a no-obligation tasting with Niels and taste it for yourself.