I sometimes get asked: "Where do the organic herbs from 't Lof der Kruiden actually come from?" An interesting question, because the origin of our herbs tells a story about (centuries-old) traditions, climate and choices we make to offer fair and high-quality organic products. Today I'll take you on a journey through Europe and beyond, along the places where our beloved herbs come from.
Herb cultivation in Belgium
Although we at 't Lof der Kruiden are strong advocates of local trade and carry ecological thinking high in our banner, you currently won't find organic herbs grown in Belgium with us. Why not? The answer lies in a combination of factors:
- Labour intensity and costs: Organic herb cultivation is very labour-intensive, and the high labour costs in Belgium make it financially unattractive for many farmers to grow organic herbs.
- Agricultural land prices: The cost of agricultural land in Belgium is very high, which has a direct impact on the final price of the herbs.
- Small scale: There are a few small-scale organic herb farmers active, but their prices are usually out of reach for most consumers. Furthermore, they usually cannot guarantee continuous delivery on a slightly larger scale.
Still, we keep dreaming: we are currently exploring collaborations with local organic farmers. Our goal? To offer top-quality organic herbs at an acceptable price.
The power of herbs from France
To limit our ecological footprint, we buy as many organic herbs as possible from the countries surrounding us. A large portion of our herbs comes from France. French herbs rank among the world's finest due to the favourable climate and the centuries-old expertise of farmers there. It should come as no surprise then that our Thyme, Basil, Lavender, Ramsons, Oregano and Lemon Balm (to name just a few) are so beloved by our customers. 🙂
Eastern Europe: a region with a centuries-old tradition in herb cultivation
Another part of our herbs comes from Eastern Europe. Countries such as Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Hungary have a rich tradition in the cultivation and use of herbs. Here are some reasons why Eastern Europe is an important source of herbs for us:
- Tons of expertise: Eastern Europe has centuries-old traditions in harvesting and growing herbs. Many herbs have been used for generations in folk medicine and in the kitchen.
- Ideal in terms of climate and soil: From the Black Sea to the Balkans, the fertile lands and temperate continental climate offer perfect conditions for cultivating a wide variety of herbs. Herbs such as Scots Pine from Poland, Chamomile from Croatia, Linden Blossom from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Eyebright from Bulgaria are beautiful examples of the rich biodiversity that Eastern Europe has to offer.
- Affordable quality: Due to lower labour costs and cheaper agricultural land, Eastern European organic herbs can be of high quality at a relatively affordable price.
Herbs from outside Europe
Some herbs simply don't grow in Europe. For these products, we look to countries with a rich history and expertise in growing specific crops. Think of Turmeric (India), Cinnamon(sticks) (Sri Lanka), Vanilla Sticks (Madagascar), Saffron (Iran) and Nutmeg (Indonesia). For our Tea varieties (from the Camellia Sinensis plant) we primarily focus on China, the tea land par excellence.
Role of our partners
Of course, the region alone plays a major role in selecting herbs. The quality and reliability of our growers, processors and suppliers form an equally important link in the process. We greatly cherish our relationships with our partners who share the same values and with whom we have built a strong sustainable bond over the years. These partners also adhere to very strict quality standards, which allows us to guarantee that every product you receive meets the highest standards of taste, aroma and sustainability.
Our philosophy
At 't Lof der Kruiden we consciously choose high-quality organic herbs, with respect for people and nature. We try to reduce our ecological footprint by sourcing as many herbs as possible from nearby regions, without compromising on affordability. We remain committed to making our range increasingly sustainable and local, where possible.
Because we love transparent communication with our customers, the country of origin has also been included with every herb description for some time now.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Let us know, we're always open to your input!
With herbal greetings,
Robin