ZERBINATI MELON
The Zerbinati name is synonymous with quality, flavor-first melons. For three generations, they have remained committed to time-honored practices, even as their neighbors moved over to crops and intensive production methods that deliver on yield. The family’s resilience has cost them time, resources and energy. It has won them their reputation. Unpack the key to flavor in their Sun Sweet and Honeymoon Melons, as well as their Sentinel Watermelons.
An ideal region for growth
Oscar’s land is set in Sermide, Mantua. His plot used to be the reservoir of the overflow from the River Po. This has given the soils complex, rich minerals and a high concentration of organic matter. A high clay content means that these are gradually released to the plants over a slow period of growth: the key to intense flavor and nutrition.
Three generations of growing artistry
Great for storing valuable nutrients, the clay soils also naturally retain water, which melon plants are skilled at seeking out. The result: the melons grow quickly and their flavor is diluted.
Oscar skilfully limits as much water intake as possible while still meeting his plants’ essential needs. He covers them with plastic sheeting as protection from rainwater, and elevates his best into mounds so any rainwater drains away from the melons.
From selecting varieties specifically suited to his patch of melon county to thinning his vines, planting in successions and even protecting the skins of his fruits with sunblock, Oscar’s commitment to quality goes beyond anything else we’ve encountered.
A vision for the future
By combining age-old techniques with modern regenerative practice, he invests care year-round to ensure the soil is protected for future generations.
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We exist to fix the food system.
People are more cut off from the origins of their food than ever. This makes flavor, nutrition and farming practices that protect the planet, almost impossible to find.
By working directly with growers, we create a more sustainable way forward for farming. By giving everyone the tools to understand the power of our food choices, we empower everybody to become drivers of change.
Now is the time for action. Join the food system revolution.
Go beyond four seasons
Each fruit and vegetable has its own season, with subtle shifts which happen every day. Follow their microseasons to unlock flavor at every stage.
WHAT’S IN SEASON?
Know where your food comes from
We know the name of the person behind everything we source. Recognize their growing artistry to find out exactly where your food comes from (and why that matters).
MEET THE GROWERS
Make your diet diverse
Our growers work with varieties chosen for quality and nutrition, not yield. By selecting their crops you keep heritage seeds in play, add to ecosystem biodiversity and preserve unique flavors.
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