Beetroot is April’s product of the month. Here are some key points about celery: Botanical Information: Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Beta Varieties: Beetroots come in various varieties, each with its own characteristics. Common types include red beets, golden beets, and Chioggia beets (with red and white rings). Cultivation: Beets are biennial plants but are typically grown as annuals for their roots. They prefer well-drained, loose soil and can be cultivated in cool climates. Beets are suitable for both home gardens and commercial farming. Characterist ..read more

Celery is March’s product of the month. Here are some key points about celery: Botanical Characteristics: Celery is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. In its first year, it produces a rosette of leaves and a cluster of roots. In the second year, it produces flower stalks and seeds. However, it is often harvested in the first year when the stalks are tender and flavorful. Appearance: Celery has long, fibrous, and crunchy stalks that grow in tight bundles. The stalks are usually pale green, but there are also varieties with red or purple stalks. The leaves are d ..read more

Cabbages is December’s product of the month. Here are some key aspects of cabbage: Varieties: Green Cabbage: This is the most common type of cabbage, with smooth, light green leaves. Red or Purple Cabbage: This variety has a deep purple or red color and is often used for its vibrant appearance. Savoy Cabbage: Recognizable by its crinkled or wrinkled leaves, Savoy cabbage is known for its mild flavor and tender texture. Chinese Cabbage: It has an elongated shape and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Tuscan kale or Lacinato Kale: is a variety of kale that originated in Italy. It is a dark gre ..read more

Growing lettuce at Quinta Vale da Lama, a Soil Food Web Trial in Fall 2023 During this fall, a 6-week field experiment has been running on the farm – Quinta Vale da Lama – in order to measure soil improvement and agricultural production gains through working with soil biology. The objective was to show how the addition of good soil microbes through worm castings extracts can improve agricultural production. The methods On September 21st 2023, 96 seedlings of lettuce from our greenhouse were planted in the soil, next to our worm-compost station.  Biology was applied to the treated lettuces ..read more

Soil Food Web Trial Fall 2023 – Growing lettuce at Quinta Vale da Lama During this fall, a 6-week field experiment has been running on the farm – Quinta Vale da Lama – in order to measure soil improvement and agricultural production gains through working with soil biology. The objective was to show how the addition of good soil microbes through worm castings extracts can improve agricultural production. The methods On September 21st 2023, 96 seedlings of lettuce from our greenhouse were planted in the soil, next to our worm-compost station.  Biology was applied to the treated lettuces by ..read more

Brocooli is November’s product of the month. Here are some key points about broccoli: Scientific Name: Broccoli belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Varieties: There are several varieties of broccoli, including the more common Italian or Calabrese broccoli and the less common Romanesco broccoli with its distinctive fractal pattern. Appearance: Broccoli features dark green florets, long stalks, and sometimes a few small leaves. The florets are clustered tightly together. Cultivation: Broccoli is a cool-season ..read more

Here are some key points about pomegranate: 1. Appearance and Flavor: Pomegranates are typically round or slightly oval in shape, about the size of an apple. The outer skin is thick and leathery, usually red or yellow, depending on the variety. Inside, the fruit contains numerous juicy arils, which are small, red, seed-like sacs filled with sweet-tart juice. The flavor of pomegranate is a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness. 2. Nutritional Value: Pomegranates are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and various minerals. They are also a good source of di ..read more

A journey through the grape harvest experience on a regenerative organic farm, Quinta Vale da Lama Video: The grape harvest symphony On 24 August 2023, the sun rose over Quinta Vale da Lama, heralding a day of sharing and conviviality with the sweet aroma of ripe grapes ready to be picked. The gathering It was a different morning from the usual routine. As the day began, the team assembled with a single purpose in mind: to pick grapes. It was an opportunity for everyone to connect, share experiences, learn from one another, share stories, socialize, and of course, have a few laughs. The harve ..read more

Password Protected To view this protected post, enter the password below: Password: Submit The post Protected: The story we live in our relationship with Nature appeared first on Vale da Lama ..read more

The impact of our fork: how food choices shape our lives and the environment. Eating a healthy and sustainable diet is becoming increasingly important for many people today. One way to achieve this is by choosing seasonal, local, and organic food (SLO). These three concepts are closely linked, and they all play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable and healthy food system. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these concepts means and why they matter. Seasonal food The idea behind eating seasonal food is to choose fruits and vegetables that are currently in season in your region. Th ..read more