On a misty morning early this autumn, we joined Prince de Bretagne producer Michel Le Bras in one of his broccoli fields in Plounevez-Lochrist, Northern Finistère. Michel has been growing a wide variety of vegetables since 2003, including the ever-popular broccoli. He enthusiastically revealed the growing secrets of this prized vegetable, often called “summer cabbage”. Want to learn more about broccoli and how it’s grown in Brittany? Read on!
Broccoli: from the Mediterranean to Brittany
Since its arrival from Sicily in the 1980s, broccoli has become perfectly adapted to the Breton soil. What are the secrets of its success? The mild and damp Breton climate provides the perfect conditions for growing broccoli. Thanks to this environment, our growers can harvest it over a long period of time, ensuring a constant supply of this fresh and tasty vegetable.
Artisanal know-how for exceptional broccoli
Growing broccoli requires patience and impeccable planning. In the summer, it’s essential to leave 20 weeks between planting and harvesting. The broccoli that Michel harvests when we visit was planted at the end of February. During autumn and winter, a reduction in light and temperature results in lower production. To ensure a regular supply of broccoli, our producers carefully plan their crops in advance.
A diversity of varieties for broccoli year-round
In response to growing demand, Breton producers grow several varieties of broccoli suited to each season. For example, in the spring, the Steele and Ironman varieties take over from Chevalier, which is harvested in mid May. This range makes it possible to extend the Breton broccoli season and make this vegetable available for the greater part of the year.
A 100% manual harvest
While broccoli is planted by machine, it’s harvested entirely by hand. This painstaking work requires several trips to a field in order to harvest the vegetable when the crowns are perfectly ripe. Depending on the weather, workers can harvest broccoli from the same field between 4 and 8 times. Once cut, broccoli is carefully placed into crates and sent directly to the cooperative, which limits the number of times it’s handled and preserves its freshness.
An organised sector with 200 broccoli growers
Today, over 200 Prince de Bretagne growers produce broccoli in Finistère and Côtes d’Armor. More than half of this production is in Northern Finistère, where our company is based. In the autumn, after the height of artichoke season, broccoli harvested in the Côtes d’Armor (22) and Ille et Vilaine (35) is added to the harvest from Finistère.
Fresh broccoli: the vegetable star of European cuisine
Broccoli is on a roll! Tasty and easy to cook, fresh broccoli is also known for its nutritional qualities and health benefits. The vegetable has a high vitamin content, and is particularly rich in vitamins A, C and K. Popular with young consumers looking for healthy and easy-to-prepare foods, broccoli has established its place on European tables. Our Breton broccoli is available from May through December.
Explore our range of broccoli
Would you like to learn more about our fresh broccoli and available packaging formats? You can find all the details here!
