“Colorful root vegetables, particularly carrots, radishes and beets, seem to be the most popular vegetable varieties in the weeks leading up to the Easter holiday,” says Matt Hiltner with Babé Farms. “Baby cauliflower is another one that is popular, used by chefs for Easter menus or retailers for their produce section,” he added. “Generally, any commodity that can add brightness and color to a dish or display is excellent for Easter.”
In recent years, Babé Farms has noticed a spike in sales of its Easter Egg radishes.” Their increased demand will sometimes eat into the sales of our other radish varieties,” commented Hiltner. “We try to keep this in mind when coordinating planting schedules.” Pickling has been on trend this year and Hiltner expects to see a lot of pickled root vegetables, including Easter Egg and Watermelon radishes. Braised radishes seem to be trending as well.
Planting schedules interrupted
Babé Farms grows its vegetables in the Santa Maria Valley on California’s Central Coast. “We are blessed with a climate that allows us to grow here year-round, but with all the rain we received this year, we were hit hard. We are still working towards meeting demand,” mentioned Hiltner. “It has been a tedious process as planting schedules have been interrupted and field access for our employees has been restricted at times. We are still gapping on certain items, but are getting close to where we’d like to be at this point in the year.”
Green Cone cabbage
Recently, Babé Farms introduced Green Cone Cabbage to its customers. Compared to common cabbage varieties, Cone cabbage differentiates itself through its shape, texture and flavor. Its leaves, with variations of pea green colorings, are thin, broad, deeply veined, tightly enveloped lengthwise and bluntly pointed. According to Hiltner, “the flavor of Cone cabbage is mild and sweet, void of the bold cruciferous flavor that is most reminiscent of cabbage.” It is a versatile vegetable that is excellent eaten raw, grilled, seared, or roasted.For more information:
Matt Hiltner
Babé Farms, Inc.
Tel: 805.925.4144