The Christen Family: A passion for vegetable gardening
Every week, UglyFruits baskets include part of the Christen family's harvest. But behind these crisp vegetables lies a beautiful story of conviction, knowledge sharing, and connection to the earth.
A family adventure (and somewhat visionary)
In the heart of the Great Marsh in Seeland — Switzerland’s vegetable garden — the Christen farm took a bold step back in 1996: switching completely to organic. Not for fashion reasons, but out of deep conviction. Growing without pesticides, respecting soils, producing differently… A courageous decision that seemed almost avant-garde at the time.
Today, brothers Bruno and Marcel are at the helm, surrounded by a team of equally passionate employees who share their commitment to bringing the land to life and passing on sustainable agriculture.
70 hectares of diversity and lots of patience
There are no futuristic gadgets here. The farm relies on simple yet demanding principles: crop rotation, respect for living soil, daily observation. The result: Over 35 varieties grow each year across 70 hectares, from lettuce to onions, carrots, cabbage, or even more “temperamental” vegetables like eggplants or red kale. This diversity isn’t accidental. It helps keep soils balanced… and consumers’ plates full of surprises. Because let’s be honest: eating only zucchini all summer gets boring after a while.
Flavor over yield
At the Christens’, the priority isn’t to produce quickly or “beautifully.” What drives them is flavor. Bruno likes to quote the Bolero carrot: “It’s not the prettiest, but flavor-wise it’s unbeatable.” Same logic with red kale, which was tested last fall despite growing difficulties and whitefly infestations. Behind every variety choice is this commitment to preserving a simple pleasure: biting into a vegetable with character.
And this is where the partnership with UglyFruits makes perfect sense: Together we value authentic flavor over the standardized appearance of supermarkets.
A committed team with both feet on the ground
Being an organic vegetable producer isn’t a walk in the park. Weather whims, price pressure, recruitment difficulties… all daily challenges. Still, Bruno and Marcel move forward with pragmatism and optimism. Observing, adapting, testing new crops, removing those that don’t work… always with humility.
They don’t forget that organic farming is built collectively. The farm works almost like a cooperative: Everyone brings their expertise, and collaboration with other organic farms in Seeland strengthens everyone’s resilience. Innovating with common sense.
Here, innovation has nothing superficial about it:
- In greenhouses, bees pollinate tomatoes
- Machines are repaired and adapted on-site to optimally meet organic needs
- Irrigation water is used sparingly and waste is recycled
- No flashy speeches, just sound farming wisdom in service of sustainability.
Why UglyFruits chooses the Christens ?
Our mission is to give new life to imperfect, authentic, flavorful vegetables. The Christen farm shares this vision, making our collaboration so natural:
- Diversity and experimentation: Over 35 varieties and new trials every year
- Priority on flavor: Choosing flavorful varieties over standardized vegetables
- Sustainability: Crop rotation, natural beneficial insects, living soils
- Smart logistics: Everything is consolidated at one location, reducing transport and guaranteeing maximum freshness
Thanks to the Christen family for their passion, perseverance, and this valuable connection between the earth, producers, and our plates.
