Family Lambrecht

In Nevele, Liesbeth grows yellow and red peppers together with her parents at Gemapa, a family business established in 1990. She has been working in the family business herself since 2004. Over the years, production has continued to expand and working methods have also changed.

What does Liesbeth enjoy most about her job? The variety. “No two days are the same,” she says. “There is always something in the greenhouse that needs attention.” That is exactly what makes the work so interesting for her.

Growing peppers also requires a great deal of care. Monitoring harmful insects is particularly important. “We check the plants regularly so we can respond quickly when necessary,” Liesbeth explains. Temperature and water levels are also closely monitored. “We really try to pamper our plants and give them what they need at the right time.”

Pepper season runs from March until the end of October. During those months, the greenhouses gradually fill with more and more red and yellow. Spring is a time Liesbeth looks forward to every year. “At that point, you still have a clear view of the crop and there is colour everywhere in the greenhouse. It remains a special sight for me.”

Looking back, Liesbeth is particularly proud of what they have built together. “We have completed many projects over the years. Seeing where we are today gives us a great sense of satisfaction.”

Above all, Liesbeth wants to show how much work and care goes into locally grown peppers. “We carefully monitor the plants every day to grow high-quality peppers. From the outside, you do not always see how much work is involved.”

In the kitchen, Liesbeth prefers simple dishes. “I love pepper soup with mascarpone, but oven-roasted peppers are also a delicious classic.” And peppers have another advantage: they contain plenty of vitamin C.