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Pepper

One of the easier crops to cultivate, the peppers at La Granja range widely in size, color and texture. “We have many types of them,” said Oscar. “Really nice ones. We have one from here, from Ibiza, that is the purple one. The flavor is very similar, but it's a little bit softer. And then the Italian one is long, because you know, the normal pepper is a little bit fat."

Although the antioxidant-rich peppers are relatively low maintenance, Oscar still considers himself devoted. ”To care for plants is like, for a moment you forget about yourself and you have to pay attention to something else,” he said. “I treat all my plants like my babies. Just to see them grow makes me happy.”

Aloma Brotons Vidal is one of the cooks at La Granja.

“To have plants is like, for a moment you forget about yourself and you have to pay attention to something else," Oscar added. "For a moment, you say, well, I don't care, I’m gonna give my love and my attention to my babies, because they need me.”

Bell peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The seeds were imported to Spain in 1493 and then spread through Europe and Asia.

The name pepper was given by Europeans when Christopher Columbus brought the plant back to Europe. Like the tomato and eggplant, the bell pepper is a botanical fruit used in the kitchen as a vegetable.

Bell peppers are rich in many vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and various carotenoids. A single bell pepper provides up to 169% of the daily recommended value.

Other vitamins and minerals in bell peppers include vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.

"I find a lot of our guests walk through the garden every morning and they see the farmers picking the plants and bringing it to the kitchen and just by osmosis they start picking up the idea of the possibilities of either growing your own food or looking for people that are growing in your region," said Andy.

Andy added: "When it comes right from the field right to the kitchen within minutes and then to your plate, there's no substitute for that."

The peppers are picked, washed and then most often put into the open-air oven to be roasted until they char on the outside and taste smokey, sweet within, to be served with a bit of salt as part of the Farmers Table.

"We have a meeting with the gardeners every Monday,” says Eduardo. “So we know more or less how much of the product we can get in the week. We plan the crops months ahead.”

But, he adds, “we need to be very flexible because one week it rains a bit too much and the peppers are less than the week before, these kinds of little things.”

Encyclopedia

Avocado

Originated in south-central Mexico
May help to ward off cancer and inflammation and assist digestion and heart health
Harvested from late spring to early fall
4-7 years seed to harvest

Chili

Originated in Mexico
May help promote weight loss and relieve pain
Grown in summer
60-95 days seed to harvest

Carrot

Originated in Persia
Improves health of eyes, skin, hair, growth, and immune system
Grown year round
60-80 days seed to harvest

Eggplant

Originated in southern Asia
Strengthens bones, reduces symptoms of anemia, improves cognition and cardiovascular health, protects the digestive system
Grown in summer
100-150 days seed to harvest

Greens

A great source of beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols
Strengthens heart health, lowers risk for numerous chronic diseases
Grown year round
2-3 weeks seed to harvest

Herbs

Rich with unique antioxidants, organic compounds, essential oils, vitamins and phytosterols
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
Thought to strengthen immunity and reduce risk of various diseases

Green Bean

Originated in Peru
Contains vitamins A, C, K, folic acid and fiber
Supports brain health, repairs cell damage and strengthens bones
Grown in summer
50-55 days seed to harvest

Lavender

Originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, can help heal minor burns and insect bites
Grown in summer
14-21 days from seed to harvest

Pepper

Originated in the Americas
Improves eye health and reduces risk of cancer, anemia and heart disease
Grown late spring to early fall
60-90 days seed to harvest

Strawberry

Originated in the Americas
Contributes to skin and hair health, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Grown in spring
5 months to a year or more seed to harvest