Growers of artichokes are now entering a quieter period of the year as the spring crop, which is a major one, finishes up for the year. The season was slightly extended this year, thanks to the ideal weather conditions in the region during spring.
"Right now, our artichoke season is winding down," said Mary Aleman of Pezzini Farms in Castroville. "The peak of the season went from February to April and the plants had been doing well because we enjoyed cooler weather. The weather was also moist enough for the season to be extended this year, compared with last year when it was much hotter at this time. Throughout the season, we saw much higher production than last year, when poor winter rains resulted in a much lower crop, making for a very difficult year."
Although artichoke plants are still growing and producing, Aleman said that it is now insufficient to meet wholesale quantities. "There are still artichokes growing now, however volume is much lower," she shared. "Instead of picking daily, as we do during the peak of the season, we currently only pick twice a week and with much lower yield. It's not enough volume for wholesale, but we do still have artichokes available for our farm store."
Pezzini Farms opts to stay with traditional varieties
There are two main commercial artichoke varieties that grow in California. There are the heirloom varieties, which are the artichokes traditionally grown in Italy and first cultivated in California by Italian migrants. Then there are the ones propagated by seeds. In recent years, the latter variety has become more widespread among growers due to its ease of cultivation and more prolific yielding capabilities. Pezzini Farms however, are one of the growers that are sticking to the traditional, or heirloom variety. According to them, the traditional artichoke not only has more flavor, but also considerably more 'meat'.
"Pezzini Farms have been growing the Green Globe heirloom artichoke for generations and it continues to be the only artichoke we carry," Aleman explained. "It's an old-fashioned variety, originally from Italy, and has more flavor, more meat and a good sized heart. There is a lot of demand for this variety, and people ask for it once they are familiar with it because they recognize the superior quality and flavor."
Aleman noted that the traditional variety is more costly to look after, and with other external challenges, some California growers are turning their back on this once prized artichoke. "A lot of farmers are now growing other varieties because the heirloom is expensive to grow and it doesn't yield as much throughout the year," she said. "With the changing climate and other issues facing farmers, including rising labor costs, many are giving up on the heirloom. They prefer to have a predictable crop and a less costly one. Pezzini Farms are committed to growing the heirloom and will not give up on it, because we believe in providing high quality artichokes to our customers."
For more information:
Mary Aleman
Pezzini Farms
Tel: +1 (831) 757-7434