Organic veg on La Palma

Vegetables on La Palma tend to be good, as long as they’re grown on the island, because anything local is fresh. And because the island is so full of micro-climates, the variety of fruit and vegetables grown here is astonishing. I haven’t found gooseberries here yet, and rhubarb is scarce, but I’ve found just about everything else.

But the organic veg is the best of all. I wanted to hold a smash and grab raid on this display by the local organic association (EcoPalma), or at least run off with the cauliflower. I had to settle for buying a reusable shopping bag. Oh well.

Like most organic farmers and consumers, they’re interested in the sustainability angle. After all, any environmental damage is much more noticeable on an island.

There’s also an organic agricultural college for young people (Agrejoven) run by the island government, the Cabildo. They have several farms round the island where they run 18-month courses for young people from 16 – 30.

It seems to be a growing trend. You can find organic veg at most farmers’ markets. Of course it costs a little more, but it tastes great.

Posted by sheila

Sheila came to La Palma with a six month contract and has stayed 24 years so far. She used to work as a software engineer at the observatory, but now she's a writer and Starlight guide.