Hello, how are you?
Good morning!
Have you ever wondered how wind can save a crop? 🤔
Today, among other things, I'll tell you about the Poniente wind, which, on this occasion, could be the hero of the moment.
But first 👇🏽
We've received a very special new product: red kiwi. Last week, we went to Montesa to see our colleague Ricard's incredible crop 🥝.
The produce, which is already available on our website, is none other than the very first harvest.
We guarantee a taste you've never experienced before 😉 They're really good!
But let's return from Montesa, because the truth is that today, the countryside faces significant challenges.
As a farmer, I've often mentioned the word "balance" when referring to our daily work with nature. And I'm bringing it up again.
Because with wind, it's like everything else: too much is harmful, but just enough can be beneficial 🌱.
For example, if it blows too hard, it can cause "rameado"… This is when branches move a lot and hit the fruit, causing skin damage that makes them unusable for the market or, directly, spoils them.
But today the story is different, because we are hoping that the Poniente wind 🌄 will help us with a situation…
Last week, I was in Javi and Alberto's lettuce fields, and we encountered a difficult situation.
Excessive water ruined many (many) heads of lettuce. It's a shame.
The water couldn't reach their plots. But still, a good part of their lettuce production was spoiled due to excess humidity from the rains.
Unfortunately, many lettuces will have to be shredded due to the damage.
Now, why do I say the Poniente wind is a beacon of hope in this case? 🌬️
After a period of very aggressive rains (like those we had a few weeks ago with the DANA), the Poniente wind, being warm, dries the plant faster, preventing water from lingering on the plant and causing rot.
There's a chance that the smaller lettuces, those still open, will receive this air and dry out. This is the remaining hope for them to be saved from deterioration.
Waiting for nature to do its work is the most natural and sustainable way to farm. Although sometimes it's not enough, and we must accept that crops are lost.
Only time will tell. Let's hope the wind truly saves Alberto and Javi's lettuces.
In this case, that's the situation, but there are situations where the Poniente wind is not positive. Sometimes, the warm temperature of the wind itself can cause fungus to develop faster.
As you can see, it's not easy at all because nature is unpredictable. And even though we sometimes have an idea of what might happen, the truth is that it is always the one who decides...
If you've ordered Javi and Alberto's lettuces, you'll surely remember them; they are giant and tasty romaine lettuces 🥬.
I hope that warm Poniente air arrives and does its job so we can bring the production forward.
Another time, I'll tell you about the Levante wind, but for today, we've reached the end.
One more thing, just out of curiosity: What do you think about the wind being called Poniente (Westerly)? This is because it comes from the west, where the sun sets. I find it very curious, do you?
Well, that's all for today.
Remember you can visit our online store to see this season's products.
Take the opportunity to try the delicious red kiwi; keep in mind that harvests are limited...
And of course, we continue to harvest the best Valencian oranges ready to go to your home 🍊.
See you next week!
