NY research trials create mini broccoli, mini cabbage

This miniature cabbage was harvested May 23, at the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program vegetable research trials at the Willsboro Research Farm, Willsboro, N.Y.
This miniature cabbage was harvested May 23, at the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program vegetable research trials at the Willsboro Research Farm, Willsboro, N.Y.
(Photo courtesy Elisabeth Hodgdon)

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program has awarded a grant for trials of early spring, high-tunnel miniature cabbages and sprouting broccoli crops.

These cold-tolerant brassica (cruciferous) crops have the potential to fill the gap between when winter storage crops are sold out and before spring field crop harvest begins in the state's northern region, according to a news release.

The research team, which includes vegetable production specialists with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Willsboro Research Farm, harvested its first mini versions of these vegetables in May.

sprouting mini broccoli
This Montebello green variety of sprouting broccoli was harvested May 23, at the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program vegetable research trials at the Willsboro Research Farm, Willsboro, N.Y. Photo courtesy Elisabeth Hodgdon

The opportunity to grow miniature varieties of broccoli and cabbages that are quick-growing and can thrive in unheated high tunnels will help northern New York growers respond to the unprecedented surge in demand for local foods spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, wholesale buyers sought out more sprouting broccoli than the market could supply through the northern New York food hubs,” Elisabeth Hodgdon, regional vegetable specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, said in the release.

Notices about in-person and virtual 2021 Brassica Workshops for growers and the final project results report will be posted at nnyagdev.org.

Tags

Produce - General Produce Research Produce Crops New York Northeast (U.S.)
 

Latest News

Packer Tech
Where will artificial intelligence take the produce industry?
Where will artificial intelligence take the produce industry?

From yield forecasting to plant and weed identification, experts say the future is endless for the integration of artificial intelligence.

Christina Herrick
Industry
Florida Tomato Exchange responds to Mexican tomato exporter lawsuit
Florida Tomato Exchange responds to Mexican tomato exporter lawsuit

The organization that represents Florida tomato growers says the tomato suspension agreements are ineffective and that dumping still continues.

The Packer Staff
Produce Crops
Mango market continues to expand
Mango market continues to expand

Despite supply challenges, the mango market continues to grow, says Dan Spellman, director of marketing for the National Mango Board.

Tom Karst
Industry
What lies ahead for U.S.-Mexico tomato agreement?
What lies ahead for U.S.-Mexico tomato agreement?

It’s no surprise that the education session on the tomato suspension agreement at this year's Viva Fresh Expo was a packed house, given the extensive discussion recently over its future.

Christina Herrick
Food Safety
Clean Works disinfects produce with waterless food safety technology
Clean Works disinfects produce with waterless food safety technology

The company says its process uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ozone and ultraviolet light to eliminate up to 99.99% of pathogens, addressing global food safety challenges across industries.

Aaron Gonzalez
Retail
Grubhub expands marketplace with Mercato partnership
Grubhub expands marketplace with Mercato partnership

The move will expand the Grubhub Marketplace to include over 950 independent grocery stores nationwide.

Aaron Gonzalez
View More