Recently, our team at Rushton’s had the pleasure of visiting Koppert Cress, a pioneering grower whose passion for innovative horticulture makes them one of the most exciting suppliers in the fresh produce world.
What struck us most was how versatile and bold their approach is, from delicate vanilla orchids to flavour packed microgreens, all cultivated under glass and with chefs and flavour first cooking in mind.
Who is Koppert Cress and What Makes Them Special
Koppert Cress is a Dutch company that specialises in microgreens, watercress and specialities for professional kitchens and chefs around the world.
Their philosophy is more than garnish, they grow living ingredients that deliver flavour, aroma, texture and presentation, created with chefs and menu makers in mind.
Each tiny seedling, sprout or specialty plant is treated with care. They are grown clean, under controlled conditions, often hydroponically or under glass, which gives consistency, hygiene and peak freshness.
Their product collection is constantly evolving, with new microplants and varieties added regularly. This makes Koppert Cress a go to supplier for chefs looking for seasonal surprises or something to make dishes stand out.
At Rushton’s we are proud to supply Koppert Cress to chefs in London. This partnership brings exciting high end produce choices to kitchens, giving chefs access to microgreens, herbs and specialty plants that set dishes apart.
Our Visit: Vanilla, Radish and the Magic of Growing Under Glass
During our visit we saw a seldom seen side of Koppert Cress, their cultivation of vanilla under glass. It is a delicate process and done only in very small quantities, which makes every vanilla pod truly special. Vanilla is not just a spice, it is part of the orchid family.
Alongside vanilla, we were impressed by their radish production. They cultivate seventeen hectares of radish under glass and harvest seven crops per year. That is equivalent to one hundred sixty eight football pitches. That is a huge yield of radish!
For chefs this means a reliable supply. For us at Rushton’s it means we can offer these ingredients to our customers across London with the quality and dependability that serious kitchens need.
Koppert Cress offers:
- Consistency – Plants grown under controlled glasshouse or hydroponic conditions maintain predictable quality, colour, flavour and texture.
- Intensity of Flavour and Aroma – These living microplants are often more intense than mature herbs, giving chefs more impact with smaller amounts.
- Versatility – From fresh herbs and cresses to delicate edible flowers, from microgreens for salads to aromatic herbs for sauces, Koppert Cress products can enhance any dish.
- Visual and Sensory Impact – Many plants provide both flavour and presentation. Vibrant microgreens on a plate or fresh herbs on fish elevate dishes beautifully.
- Reduced Waste – Microgreens or small punnets allow chefs to order just what they need, reducing cost and waste.
What This Means for Rushton’s
Through our partnership with Koppert Cress we bring London chefs access to some of the most exciting microgreens, herbs and specialty plants available. This means we can deliver more than traditional produce, supply rare and delicate ingredients, and support chefs who value quality, consistency and flavour.
In Short
Our visit reinforced why we do what we do. From rare vanilla pods to vibrant micro cresses, from large scale radish cultivation to tiny delicate herbs, Koppert Cress represents the cutting edge of modern gastronomy.
For chefs, menu planners and food lovers, this is an invitation to think beyond the basics. Dishes lifted by intense micro herbs, delicate cresses or aromatic seedlings can become real plates with Rushton’s and Koppert Cress.
We are excited to bring you more from this partnership and cannot wait to see what you create.
