Holland America Line partners with Koppert Cress

Holland America Line is partnering with award-winning microgreen specialist Koppert Cress to grow fresh ingredients onboard the line’s newbuild, ms Koningsdam. The Koppert Cress partnership will enable guests to indulge in fresh microgreens grown onboard in the Culinary Arts Center while enjoying a farm-to-table-style menu for dinner.

The ingredients will be on display in a glass-enclosed growing area in the reimagined Culinary Arts Center, which also will serve as a dinner venue on Koningsdam. Dinner in the Culinary Arts Center restaurant will provide an immersive farm-to-table experience where chefs prepare simple, artisanal dishes in the show kitchen. Each course will be enjoyed as it’s freshly prepared, with some ingredients harvested by the ship’s chefs from the Koppert Cress growing area just before being served.

“We’re excited to partner with an innovative company like Koppert Cress to expand our culinary program with a special farm-to-table dining concept,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “This partnership brings a unique, hands-on and fresh experience to our newest dining venue aboard Koningsdam.”

Once sown, the seedlings will grow for up to two weeks and then get snipped in their prime for use during dinner in the Culinary Arts Center. The microgreens have distinct flavors like garlic, mustard and licorice, which will enhance the taste of each dish served.

“Rather than being used as a garnish, the Koppert Cress microgreens will be used as integral ingredients in the recipes,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development. “Our guests will be able to watch them grow during the cruise and then savor them freshly harvested and at their highest flavor potential during their Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center experience.”

SOURCE: Holland America Line