Welcome to the blog of our farmhouse, a place where nature and sustainability are at the center of everything we do. Today we want to talk to you about a topic very dear to us: seasonality and organic farming.
#### The importance of Seasonality
Seasonality is a fundamental principle of our agricultural philosophy. Growing and consuming seasonal products not only guarantees authentic and nutritious flavours, but is also a way to respect the natural rhythms of the earth.
Advantages of seasonality:
Taste and Quality: Seasonal products are tastier and richer in nutrients since they are harvested in their natural ripening period.
Sustainability: By reducing the need for heated greenhouses and long transportation distances, you decrease your environmental impact.
Cost Reduction : Seasonal produce tends to be less expensive because it is plentiful and does not require expensive off-season growing methods.
Food Variety: Consuming seasonal products encourages a varied and nutritious diet, with a natural rotation of foods available throughout the year.
Less Use of Preservatives: Seasonal products, being fresher, require fewer preservatives and treatments to stay good, thus reducing exposure to chemicals.
Reduction of Food Waste: Seasonality helps reduce food waste as products are harvested and consumed at the right time, without having to be stored for a long time.
Support Biodiversity: Growing seasonal products promotes biodiversity, as crops vary throughout the year, reducing the risk of monocultures that can impoverish the soil.
Connection with Nature: Eating seasonal foods allows people to feel more connected to the earth's natural cycles and appreciate seasonal changes.
Promotion of Traditional Agricultural Practices: Seasonality encourages the maintenance and enhancement of traditional agricultural practices, which are often more sustainable than intensive modern techniques.
#### Our Approach to Organic Agriculture
Organic farming is another cornerstone of our farm. We follow strict organic standards to ensure our products are healthy and sustainable.
Principles of organic farming:
- No Use of Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers: We use natural methods to fight parasites and fertilize the soil, such as composting and crop rotation.
- Respect for Biodiversity: We promote the diversity of cultivated species, which helps maintain a balanced and resistant ecosystem.
- Animal Welfare: The animals in our biopark are raised in conditions that respect their natural well-being, without the use of antibiotics or hormones.
#### What We Grow/Harvest in Each Season>
Spring:
Vegetables: Artichokes, broad beans, peas, lettuce, onions, garlic
Fruit: Strawberries, medlars
Herbs: Basil, parsley, mint
Summer:
Vegetables: Tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, aubergines, chilli peppers
Fruit: Peaches, apricots, melons, watermelons, pears
Aromatic herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage
Autumn:
Vegetables: Pumpkins, cabbage, carrots
Fruits: Grapes, figs, pomegranates, feijoa, guava
Aromatic herbs: Oregano, sage, bay leaves
Winter:
Vegetables: Cauliflower, cabbage, cabbage
Fruit: Oranges, mandarins, persimmons, lemon caviar
Aromatic herbs: Rosemary, thyme, bay leaves
#### The Cycle of the Seasons at Our Farmhouse
Respect for seasonality is reflected in everything we do. Each season brings with it a change in agricultural work, from sowing to harvesting, up to the preparation of the dishes for our rich breakfasts which some consider a brunch.
Spring: It is the time of sowing and preparing the soil. The fruit trees begin to flower and the biopark awakens from its winter rest.
Summer: It is the period of growth and harvesting of the first fruits. Abundant sunshine and long days help plants thrive.
Autumn: The main harvest season. We harvest most of our produce and prepare the soil for the winter.
Winter: It is the time of rest for the earth. We dedicate ourselves to the maintenance of the biopark and the preparation of new crops.
#### Visit us to find out more
We invite you to visit our farm to see for yourself how we work with nature, not against it. Take part in one of our guided tours of the biopark, taste our fresh products and discover the authentic taste of seasonality and organic agriculture.
Thanks for following us, and see you next time!
Comments