The Heuvelstraat, between meadows and fields

To the west, the Heuvelstraat starts not very far from the Laak. To the east, the road briefly follows the Demer valley and then climbs up to the drier Kempen sandy soils. We walk among what was once the agricultural wealth of Betekom. On one side the meadows and hay meadows and on the other side the lighter arable soils. Betekom was known for its markets where beans, peas and asparagus were traded. In 1932, a Dutch wholesaler was found to be buying peas for more than half a million Belgian francs. These peas were flat, green and with a long 'stem'. The latter was liked by the bourgeoisie in the city on the signs. In 1940, an average of 5000 kg of beans was sold daily.
During that period, asparagus produced 5 to 6 tonnes a day, a record in Belgian horticultural history. People came here from all corners of Belgium and also from the Netherlands to buy asparagus. This trade favored the presence of cafes – at one point there were 14 – and lodging options.

The meadows and hay meadows on the Demer side can be seen on maps from the 18th century, but at the end of the 19th century grain and sugar beet were grown here. The meadows and poplar forests that you see today are mainly from after the Second World War. Even today, the large plots of corn stand out.

Jan Rymenams