As most of you have noticed at this point, kale in France is out of season. Like last year, the French season ends anywhere between December – March depending on the farmer. Joël sold a few (older) bunches through April and then even sold his kale flowers when the plants went to seed.
One interesting point and difference from last year at this time as that the market is definitely created at Rungis because the bio shops and a few larger distributors at markets were getting kale grown in Spain. (Why they don’t sell it more in Spain, who knows!)
But there are a few smaller farmers out there trying to grow kale outside of the traditional season to have availability earlier than September. One I’m excited to share is in Marseille.
The family members of a fellow American woman in France who contacted me ages ago and the harvest is here!
They sell to wholesale/professionals at le MIN des Arnavaux in Marseille
Tues thru Sat from 3h00 AM to 7h00 am.
They sell to individuals at Plan de campagne Halle de producteurs
http://www.agglo-paysdaix.fr/economie/agriculture/halle-terres-de-provence.html
Mondays, wednesdays and fridays from 17h00 – 19h00 evenings.
And the Ruches www.laruchequiditoui.fr
des Pennes Mirabeau Thursdays 18h30 to 20h
and Aix en Provence Fridays 16h to 18h
Not bad news for early out of season June?!