Learning about the properties of broccoli, a "superfood" that has been associated with the name of Ribaforada for more than 30 years, is the main objective of the 1st Broccoli Conference which Ribaforada will hold on 9, 10 and 11 December.
The program of the day combines eminently gastronomic activities with others of a more leisurely and cultural nature. The mayor of the town, Jesús Mari Rodríguez, recalled the commitment made by his municipality to introducing the crop back in the 1980's. "It was done by the San Blas Agricultural Cooperative and a small number of pioneer growers who wanted to try out a new winter crop. No one could imagine that it would change our landscape and eventually spread throughout the Ribera to become the agricultural crop with the greatest acreage."
The mayor estimated the total acreage devoted to broccoli in Spain at 30,000 hectares, with an annual production of 375,000 tonnes, 230,000 of which are intended for export. "Ribaforada is the largest broccoli producer in Navarre and is among the top five in Spain. It is a crop that generates economic activity, exports, employment and health.
For his part, the Tudelan chef, Santiago Cordón, stressed the importance of promoting this crop among children. To this end, a children's workshop will be held on Saturday 10 December, "so that children can learn how to grow, look after and cook broccoli." On the same day, Cordón himself will offer a cooking workshop and a mini-tasting with broccoli as the main protagonist.
