Four hours north of New York City, Norwich Meadows Farm grows a massive diversity of produce for the culinary community and farmers market shoppers. Zaid Kurdieh alongside his wife Haifa started Norwich Meadows in 1998, and have grown it from a 2-acre plot to a 300+ acre operation that feeds thousands throughout the season.
Trials and Collaboration
Zaid actively engages in trials with many breeders and companies like Tokita. "We take a role in developing seeds by growing [them] out and testing varieties," he shares, highlighting their commitment to cultivating exceptional crops. One of the varieties they are experimenting with is Murasaki Fioretto, a recent addition that Zaid describes as thriving in their environment. Sharing insights into how he grows it, he details the process of using compost and optimal spacing of 14 inches for larger heads.
Something often overlooked in cauliflower production is the amount of waste produced by the foliage—as pointed out to him by his friend and long-time customer, Chef Dan Barber. Cauliflower leaves have long been one of Zaid’s favorite snacks. One of the benefits of Fioretto and Murasaki Fioretto, as he says, is the potential to reduce waste by enjoying more of the plant: the elongated stems were selected for improved sweetness.
When asked about his favorite Tokita variety, Zaid finds it hard to choose. His current favorite, the Sunpeach cherry tomato, has been a beacon in a season marked by excessive rainfall.
Reflecting on the essence of farming, Zaid encapsulates it in three words: "We love food." This sentiment manifests in their care for the soil, the selection of varieties, and the exceptional flavor of each vegetable grown at Norwich Meadows Farm.
Learn more about Norwich Meadows Farm at www.norwichmeadowsfarm.com, or follow along on Instagram @norwichmeadowsfarm.
