Celia and Liz in Brassica Field

The brassica fields are phenomenal this year. A lot of good rain and plenty of fish emulsion fertilizer has helped them along. "Brassica" is a general term used to describe crops or weeds in the mustard family (Brassicaceae)-- mainly cruciferous crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and my favorite -- brussels sprouts. Due to particular genetic make-up, people taste the crops in this family differently. Some folks find the flavors too bitter, and other people love them. The genus Brassica accounts for more horticultural crops than any other genus. It is amazing too see the lush, large leafed growth of the plants in their effort to produce the (sometimes small) broccoli or cauliflower head. But we love them. One thing that I look forward to every Thanksgiving are roasted brussels sprouts. Here is Celia and her friend Liz (in town from Philadelphia) in the field: