Regalys

Organic green asparagus from Hesbaye: a story of passion and daring

Behind Regalys lies the story of the Lejeune family, a family of market gardeners driven by a passion passed down through the generations. Their estate, the Kamerijck farm, dating from the 18th century and situated in Gingelom in Flemish Hesbaye, is the cradle of an agricultural tradition deeply rooted in this orchard-rich region.

In 2004, Jean and Bernadette Lejeune took on a pioneering challenge in Belgium: to produce organic green asparagus, from planting through to harvest. Today, Stéphane Lejeune and Bernadette, supported by their cousin Jacques De Wulf, a specialist in agro-biology, have established Regalys as the Belgian benchmark for exceptional organic asparagus.

An exceptional terroir

The Hesbaye region offers all the right conditions for growing top-quality asparagus: a mild, slightly humid climate, early springs, and rich, fertile loamy soil that brings out the flavours to the full. Contrary to popular belief, asparagus does not need sandy soil to thrive. Here, the fertile loam produces green asparagus with a more intense and full-bodied flavour.

The life cycle of asparagus

Growing asparagus is a demanding art: «claws» (mature roots) are planted, which will produce the spears (asparagus). Every day, the harvest is carried out using electric trolleys to ensure optimum freshness. The pickers, at the controls of their ingenious machine designed by an Italian engineer, travel over 8 km between the rows of asparagus! Cleaning, sorting and express dispatch follow, as asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, without any storage time.

Farm experience

The farm is opening its doors with a farm shop and guest rooms, to share their passion and their exceptional products. You might even get the chance to try Bernadette’s delicious recipes, including an asparagus soup that really made an impression on us!