KENT, ME - While the daylight hours decrease as we move towards the fall, one thing that will not be on the decline are supplies of Maine broccoli. For those operations looking for flavor and consistency as we move into the holiday push, Fresh from the Start’s Maine broccoli crop has ramped up and is now in full swing.

“Warm days and cool nights make Maine an ideal spot for growing broccoli,” Category Manager Lauren Keenan shared as she reflects on the program.

Fresh from the Start plants more than eight varieties across 2,800 acres, dependent on the time of harvest.

“This involvement results in the highest quality product for our customers. When you buy from us, you are buying directly from the grower,” Keenan continued. For its East Coast customers, crops can arrive days fresher than more distant operations since they can deliver to most major East Coast markets in 24 hours.

This season, the company is shipping both crown-cuts at 40-45 ct. per case and bunches at 14 ct and 18 ct and anticipates shipping will continue into October, according to a press release. In addition to broccoli, Fresh from the Start offers a seasonal cauliflower program that will run through mid-October, and also offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on a year-round basis.

As the grower, Fresh from the Start has a hand in the entire process whether it is controlling all inputs of the crop starting from seed selection to harvesting with their own crews or post-harvest trucking to customers. With a promise of value and quality, the company ensures USDA inspection on each load at the farm level before shipping.

Crown or bunch, I'll take them all! Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow on continued crop updates across the broccoli category and beyond.

Fresh from the Start