Supplying a good variety of local organic vegetables year-round is a real challenge. At this time of year we emerge from the hungry gap, when little fresh produce is available, and look forward to a plentiful supply of delicious organic vegetables.
Box scheme manager, Ped Asgarian, explains how we manage seasonal availability and gives a flavour of the vegetables to come.
"After months of root vegetables, over wintered greens and a necessary reliance on imported produce, we are finally seeing the emergence of this season's new crops. We're running a little behind due to the colder than expected May. I get the feeling 'running behind' may be an annual occurrence, but it’s a testament to a grower’s continual optimism in the face of British weather.You’ll soon be seeing in your boxes Swiss and Rainbow chard and spinach from our field. You may also have noticed one or two spring greens! Their abundance is only surpassed by their quality. Surely amongst some of the finest this farm has ever grown?
Highlights in the coming weeks will include kohlrabi, broad beans and spring onions. The fields are looking bountiful and beautiful and there is a wonderful buzz around the farm.
We try to grow as much produce as possible for our vegetable boxes from the field, but inevitably on 15 acres of land there is only so much we are able to supply. To help fill the gaps, and keep food miles to a minimum, we aim to work with an ever expanding local network of experienced, resourceful and exciting growers. To ensure that these relationships are prosperous for The Community Farm, for the growers and for our discerning customers, we always aim to pay above the market price for the great produce they grow. The survival of the farmers we work with is one of our core ethics. So we will continually support local farmers; challenging the supermarket pressure that’s driving profits for growers in to the ground.
This is why you have been seeing the fantastic aubergines, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes all grown in Gloucester and the sweet red ramiro peppers from Somerset. We’re particularly looking forward to the exotic looking Romanesque and purple cauliflower in the weeks to come."
