The Science Behind the Sweetness

We visited Antonio from Sicilian Passion in Sicily. In a region traditionally known for its citrus fruits, Antonio decided to take a different path several years ago: he grows passion fruit (and even papayas!). A crucial part of our collaboration is precisely determining the harvest time. Our teams conduct sugar content measurements directly in the field. A refractometer is used to determine the Brix value, ensuring that the fruits have reached the required physiological maturity and full aromatic profile. Harvesting only begins once these thresholds are met. In the video below, you can see our colleague Angelo taking these measurements. It’s a lot of fun, because you’re literally looking into the future. Ripening Characteristics and Etymology An important quality characteristic of passion fruit is the texture of its skin. Unlike many fruits, here’s the rule: the more pronounced the wrinkling of the fruit, the higher the sugar content. Due to slight evaporation during the ripening process, the fruit sugar concentrates inside, while the acidity subtly decreases. There are two harvests per year – one in the winter months and one in the summer months. Especially in summer, the fruits are “wrinklier” because the liquid evaporates faster due to the heat. Did you know that the name “passion fruit” is derived from Christian iconography? Spanish missionaries in the 16th century interpreted the complex flower structure as symbols of the Passion of Christ. The filaments of the flower were associated with the crown of thorns, the three stigmas with the nails of the cross, and the five stamens with the wounds. In the gallery, you’ll find a picture where this is very clearly visible.

Mercosur: Europe’s food model at a crossroads

Why is growing organic stone fruit so risky?

Understanding the risks of growing stone fruit is key to appreciating why peaches, apricots, and nectarines are so complex to cultivate under an organic and regenerative agricultural model. Their short growing cycle, high sensitivity to weather conditions, and limited post-harvest lifespan create a scenario where precision and timing are critical factors. Why is the stone fruit growing season so short? Most summer stone fruits complete their entire development cycle, from blossom to harvest, in under ten weeks. This rapid evolution drastically reduces the margin for error for the farmer. The window for an optimal harvest is not only brief but also highly variable, depending on the speed of ripening and meteorological events. Increasing climate volatility in Europe adds a layer of unpredictability. A specific example can be found in the region of Catalonia, where organic stone-fruit farmer Jordi Garreta explained how this year’s prolonged spring rains interfered with the fruit set and final ripening, affecting the available harvest volumes. Furthermore, several hailstorms damaged and split some of the fruit. Each variety presents specific vulnerabilities: Cherries are prone to splitting with sudden rains. Apricots are particularly sensitive to thermal stress. Peaches are highly vulnerable to fungal diseases in high-humidity conditions. A regenerative and organic approach to the risks of growing stone fruit Farmer Jordi Garreta, Grup Garreta Farm, Spain In conventional agriculture, the control of pests and diseases often relies on the use of synthetic inputs. The organic and regenerative approach, however, seeks to create a resilient ecosystem, addressing the root cause of pests — an unbalanced ecosystem that allows excessive growth of a specific organism  —  instead of the consequences. As Jordi Garreta explains: “The main pests and diseases are aphids, earwigs (Forficula auricularia), and fungi like Monilia and Rhizopus. The best way to combat them is to have a crop that is well-balanced in its nutrition, meaning that each tree uses its own tools to fight off pests. If this is not enough, we use kaolin, nettle slurry, or diatomaceous earth. We plant flower strips and allow spontaneous wild herbs to grow to encourage biodiversity, which creates a more resilient ecosystem against pests, among other benefits.” Jordi Garreta Farmer at Grup Garreta Scientific research supports these practices. For example, a 2022 study found that tree rows closest to perennial flower strips averaged a 60% increase of predators per branch, compared to those found in control orchards without flower strips. These methods not only addresses pests in the short term, but also prioritises the long-term health of the soil and the ecosystem, which ends up paying back by increasing the ecosystem’s resilience. What are climacteric fruits, and how does it affect their flavour? Most stone fruits (with the exception of cherries) are climacteric, meaning they continue to ripen after being picked, thanks to the internal production of ethylene. While this allows farmers to ship fruit that is still firm, it demands precise timing. Harvesting too early results in flavourless fruit; harvesting too late makes transport difficult, especially in organic farming where many chemical preservatives and treatments are prohibited. Post-harvest losses are one of the biggest challenges facing the food system. According to the FAO, fruits and vegetables suffer the highest loss rates, exceeding 20% ​​globally before even reaching stores. Within this category, delicate and perishable fruits such as stone fruit are particularly vulnerable to mechanical damage and over-ripening, specially given the high temperatures in the season in which they are harvested and shipped. This is where production models diverge significantly: The conventional model: The food industry has adapted to these biological limits through early harvesting, cold storage, and prioritising varieties selected for their durability rather than their organoleptic (smell and flavour) qualities. Supermarkets often pressure producers to deliver uniform, long-lasting products at low prices. This model depends on an intensive cold chain and production surpluses, which typically ends up in high food waste and comes at the expense of flavour and nutritional density. It is estimated that stone-fruit losses from farm to table can range from 20 to 50% globally.  The direct sales model: By harvesting on demand, the fruit is picked at its point of physiological maturity, prolonged cold storage is avoided, and overproduction is reduced. This not only minimises food waste but also preserves the product’s integrity and allows for fairer pricing structures that reflect the high risk and labour intensity required to grow these fruits without synthetic inputs. A practical guide to at-home conservation Once the fruit arrives at your home, its proper handling is essential to enjoy its maximum quality. Ripen at room temperature: If your peaches, nectarines, or apricots are still firm, leave them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. To know if a peach or apricot is ripe, the key is not always the colour, but the touch and the aroma. You will know they are ready when they yield slightly to a gentle press and give off a fragrant aroma. Refrigerate after ripening: Once ripe, you can move them to the fridge to extend their life for a few more days. Low temperatures (especially below 8 °C) can impair the development of flavour and texture in fruit that has not yet ripened. The case of cherries: As they are non-climacteric, cherries do not ripen after harvesting. They should be refrigerated immediately to maintain their freshness. Wash just before eating: Avoid washing the fruit before storing it, as moisture can accelerate its decay. Wash it just before you intend to eat it. To know more about how to handle your summer fruit, here you have a specific article to guide you through. Towards a resilient model for a vulnerable sector Farmer Anita Minisci, Azienda Agricola San Mauro, Italy The combination of short seasons, high climate sensitivity, and market pressures are the main risks of growing stone fruit, making summer stone fruit production one of the most complicated sectors of organic fruit farming. As climate volatility increases, producers will face greater uncertainty.   Supporting producers through transparent and direct supply chains is not just a consumer preference; it is an essential shift to sustain production models that prioritise soil health, quality nutrition, and long-term resilience.  

The “why meat” question

The path to a truly regenerative agricultural system often unfolds in unexpected ways. For many of our organic farmers, the journey began with the adoption of cover crops – plants grown not primarily for harvest, but to protect and enrich the soil. However, managing these cover crops, especially in complex landscapes like the terraced avocado groves of Southern Spain or the undulating terrain of vineyards where machinery access is limited, presented a new challenge. It was in seeking solutions that these farmers rediscovered an ancient ally: livestock. Animals, they found, were remarkably adept at managing these “weeds” and cover crops. But the benefits didn’t stop there. The integration of livestock brought with it a cascade of positive ecological effects. Their manure provides a natural source of fertiliser, rich in nutrients and organic matter, steadily improving soil health. The gentle disturbance of their hooves can help to break up compacted soil surfaces and tread seeds into the ground, aiding germination and plant diversity. As they graze, they trample plant matter, creating a natural mulch that protects the soil from erosion and helps retain moisture. Furthermore, animals can carry seeds in their coats and digestive tracts, contributing to the dispersal of plant species and enhancing biodiversity – a process known as zoochory. In essence, livestock became active partners in regenerating the land, contributing not only to soil health but also supporting greater biodiversity, including vital pollinators feeding on diverse pastures and increased soil microbe and earthworm populations benefiting from organic matter cycling. This rediscovery, however, highlighted another pressing issue: the scarcity of shepherds and skilled livestock managers. For generations, shepherds were the stewards of the land, guiding their flocks in a way that benefited both animals and ecosystems. Yet, a confluence of factors – including the rise of intensive farming systems, challenging economic returns from traditional sheep and goat products, the demanding lifestyle, shifting land use policies, and an ageing rural population – has led to a sharp decline in their numbers.  This presented a quandary. How could we, at CrowdFarming, encourage the vital integration of livestock into regenerative systems if the very people skilled in managing them were disappearing? Or, if farm managers took on herd management themselves, how could we ignore a potential avenue to support their livelihoods, especially when it aligns so seamlessly with our model of direct connection? Simultaneously, throughout our journey into regenerative agriculture, we have encountered remarkable livestock farmers. These individuals are managing vast areas of land with inspiring dedication, ensuring the soil remains covered for most of the year, fostering biodiversity, and sequestering carbon through well-managed pasture systems. Many of them, such as Alfonso and Yanniek from La Junquera (Yanniek is also a valued member of our “1% for the Soil” committee), Sergio and his colleagues from Orgo, and Benedikt Bösel from Gut & Bösel, have shared their insights on our “What The Field!?” podcast, highlighting the profound ecological benefits of pasture-fed, regeneratively managed livestock.  However, these pioneering farmers often face considerable challenges. They navigate the competitive pressures of intensive farming, the financial investment required for organic certification, and restricted access to markets that genuinely recognise and reward their dedication to superior environmental and animal welfare standards. These experiences and observations have culminated in a new step for CrowdFarming. Driven by our commitment to supporting farmers who are at the forefront of regenerative and organic practices, we are introducing responsibly sourced meat products as an evolution of our current model. By creating a stable and direct sales channel, we aim to bolster the economic viability of these farmers, supporting their transition towards, or their ability to continue, these regenerative and organic farming systems. And we are taking this step after much reflection and debate. Debate both internal and external, with people who support us in this decision and others who would have preferred we didn’t make it. I want to extend a special thanks to the group of vegans working at CrowdFarming for engaging in such constructive discussions and for presenting a well-reasoned perspective. This is a matured decision that we are making resolutely, convinced that moderate consumption of meat from farmers who share our values can help us build a more sustainable food supply chain. Who makes the cut The producers participating in this new initiative will be certified organic (or in the process of converting to organic certification), their animals will be predominantly pasture-fed, and the farms will be actively implementing measurable regenerative agricultural practices. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, it is important to clarify these terms: Organic Farming: Within the European Union, stringent regulations govern organic farming. These mandate that animals are predominantly reared outdoors with ample space, receive feed from organic sources, and that the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited. Furthermore, there are strict limitations on the application of antibiotics and other veterinary treatments. These organic principles, combined with our pasture-feeding requirements, inherently exclude intensive practices such as continuous indoor confinement or feedlot finishing. Pasture-Fed: A significant portion of the EU’s organic agricultural land, approximately 44%, consists of permanent pasture. If this pasture is managed regeneratively, the opportunity to generate a positive impact on the environment is considerable. For herbivorous animals (e.g., cattle, sheep) in this initiative, their diet will consist of 100% grass and forage from these pastures. For omnivorous animals (e.g., pigs), a minimum of 70% of their diet will be pasture-based, with the remainder being certified organic supplementary feed. Crucially, the definition of pasture and forage under these standards excludes common intensive feed ingredients like grains (maize, wheat, barley), soya meal, grain legumes (peas, beans), and specific industrial by-products. Regenerative Agriculture: For CrowdFarming, this represents a commitment beyond standard organic practices, focusing on actively improving the farm ecosystem. It describes a holistic approach where the primary focus is restoring and enhancing soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving water cycles. Livestock farmers participating in this initiative adhere to organic principles (or are in conversion), meet our pasture-fed standards, and follow the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) protocol of CrowdFarming’s Regenerative Agriculture Program. This ensures practices lead to quantifiable positive outcomes, which are monitored and made public through our Regeneration Index. Key practices often include rotational grazing, which mimics the natural movement of wild herds allowing pastures periods of rest and recovery, preventing overgrazing and promoting soil regeneration, as well as fostering diverse pastures.   Transparency is an unwavering principle at the heart of the CrowdFarming model. The authenticity of the farming practices for this new meat offering will be assured through several robust layers of verification: The official EU organic certification. An internal protocol, overseen by our agronomic teams, to ensure adherence to minimum levels of pasture-feeding. The Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework integral to CrowdFarming’s Regeneration Index. Clearing the air: Methane, CO2 and N2O Conversations about livestock farming inevitably involve greenhouse gases, and some of the first arguments often include cows’ burps (against) or the ability of pastures to sequester carbon (for). It’s not as black and white, and it’s crucial to address this openly and accurately. Methane: Ruminant animals produce methane through digestion. Unlike carbon dioxide (CO2), which persists and accumulates in the atmosphere for centuries, methane is a potent but “short-lived” gas, breaking down in about 10–12 years: which means it doesn’t have the same warming effect as CO2. While global methane levels require significant reduction across all sectors (including fossil fuels and landfill), climate science indicates that eliminating agricultural methane entirely isn’t necessary to stabilise temperatures. Strategies compatible with pasture-based systems, such as improving animal health, selective breeding for lower emissions, and potentially optimising forage diversity, offer pathways for sustainable reduction.   Carbon Sequestration: Well-managed grasslands and integrated systems with trees (agroforestry) have the potential to draw down CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in soils and biomass. While the exact amount and long-term permanence of sequestration is complex and varies greatly depending on soil type, climate, and management history, focusing on these practices contributes positively to soil health and ecosystem resilience, even beyond the carbon benefit. CrowdFarming focuses on verifying these practices known to build soil health, rather than making specific farm-level carbon negativity claims, which remain challenging to substantiate definitively year-on-year.   Nitrous Oxide (N2O): A long-lived and potent greenhouse gas, N2O emissions in agriculture are strongly linked to the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and manure management. By requiring organic certification (eliminating synthetic fertilisers) and favouring pasture-based systems (reducing manure concentration), our approach inherently lowers N2O risks compared to intensive models. Furthermore, integrating nitrogen-fixing legumes like clover into pastures can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for external nitrogen inputs, further mitigating N2O emissions. Offering a better alternative This initiative extends beyond merely introducing a new product category. Its core purpose is to provide tangible economic support to farmers who are leading the charge in ecological and regenerative livestock systems. By establishing this direct channel, we aim to furnish them with a degree of predictable income, thereby strengthening their financial stability and enhancing their capacity to maintain and expand practices that yield substantial benefits for our shared ecosystems. We understand and respect that individuals choose vegetarian or vegan lifestyles for a variety of environmental and ethical reasons, and there’s many of us in CrowdFarming following this way of life. Indeed, major scientific bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have highlighted that shifts towards balanced diets, including a reduction in the overall consumption of animal-sourced foods – particularly those from high-emission systems – can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and lessening environmental pressures.  However, many people continue to include animal products in their diet and are actively seeking high-quality meat that aligns with their values regarding animal welfare and environmental stewardship. This search for quality is supported by research indicating nutritional differences in the resulting meat and dairy. Studies have shown that products from animals raised predominantly on pasture, compared to those fed grain-concentrate diets, tend to have higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, a more favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and higher concentrations of certain vitamins like E and some B vitamins. For these consumers, finding and verifying products from farmers employing robust organic, pasture fed and truly regenerative methods often remains a significant hurdle. We view this initiative as a significant opportunity to raise awareness among consumers about the positive impacts of well-managed, integrated livestock within regenerative organic agriculture. It also serves to highlight the distinction between these farming models and other systems that can have more detrimental environmental and animal welfare outcomes. We are convinced that by fostering a deeper understanding and providing direct access to these thoughtfully produced products, we can play a part in encouraging more farmers to embrace these beneficial philosophies of land stewardship. It also empowers consumers to make informed decisions about the origin and production methods of their food. This expansion is a carefully considered evolution for CrowdFarming, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to forging an agri-food chain that is more fair, sustainable and resilient. By providing direct access to meat from farms adhering to these rigorous organic, pasture-fed, and verified regenerative standards, we empower consumers to make informed choices that directly support farmers investing in animal welfare and ecosystem health. We are enthusiastic about embarking on this new chapter with our community of consumers and farmers.

The profitability of soil regeneration

Spiced Lentil and Aubergine Boats