Capital press. (Salem, OR) 19??-current, March 05, 2021, Image 35

Capital press., March 05, 2021, Page 35, Image 35

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Newspaper Page Text12 CapitalPress.com Friday, March 5, 2021 Brussels sprouts a different kind of crop By JULIA HOLLISTER For the Capital Press If you are looking for a fast-grow- ing crop, Brussels sprouts might not be a good idea. But if you want heavy harvests, Brussels sprouts can pro- duce up to 3 pounds on one stalk. “The growing season for Brus- sels sprouts is around two years,” said Paul Scheid, grower and vice pres- ident of production at Ocean Mist Farms in Castroville, Calif. “There are about 10 to 15 of these ‘mini cab- bages’ on a 3-foot high stalk.” The main growing season is from mid-June to the end of December on the Central Coast. Growers extend that growing sea- son to year-round production by farm- ing Brussels sprouts in Southern Cal- ifornia and the desert growing region during the winter and spring months. Ninety percent of America’s Brus- sels sprouts come from Califor- nia, and Ocean Mist Farms produces approximately 1,855 crop acres annu- ally in Castroville, Coachella, Oxnard Ocean Mist Farms Paul Scheid, vice president of production at Ocean Mist Farms in Castroville, Calif., says 90% of American’s Brussels sprouts come from California. and Oceanside, depending on the time of year. The Netherlands has long been the world leader for Brussels sprout production. Ocean Mist Farms Harvesting Brussels sprouts at Ocean Mist Farms in Coachella, Calif. “Our biggest pest problems are worms and aphid,” he said. “The dia- mondback caterpillar has been partic- ularly challenging to control the past three years because of its affinity for cabbage family crops like Brussels sprouts.” Worms and other pests are not the only challenges facing California’s agriculture. Scheid says water and labor issues are in the mix. Ocean Mist’s Brussels sprouts are hand harvested from each stalk that grows on the plant, then machine sorted by size on the harvest equip- ment in the field. The stalks are tilled back into the ground and used as organic matter for continued soil health. All sprouts on the stalk are not the same size. Scheid says it is his goal as a grower to produce uni- form-sized Brussels sprouts for the various pack styles. However, in general there are three sizes, fancy (small), regular and jumbo. Each size is found on a specific part of the stalk. More customers are discovering Brussels sprouts today. “The upward trend for Brus- sels sprouts is a result of new meth- ods of cooking and flavors, espe- cially bacon, used to prepare,” he said. “Roasting and sautéing versus the boiling of years past have ele- vated the eating experience of this vegetable.” Ocean Mist Farms is also known as the largest grower of fresh arti- chokes in the U.S. They are grown year-round in Castroville, Oxnard and Coachella in addition to Baja California. Best Prices on Irrigation Supplies Sprinklers • Rain Guns Drip Tape • Dripline • Filters • Poly Hose Lay Flat Hose • Micro • Valves • Air Vents Fertilizer Injectors ...and much more! Fast & Free Shipping from Oregon 10% OFF 1-844-259-0640 PROMO CODE: CAP10 www.irrigationking.com S229395-1 S221120-1