Nevia came to the US to pursue formal training in the performing arts, and ultimately found herself pulled towards what we jointly consider to be the most challenging of artistries - growing. Fast forward a decade and her work has become the reference point for New York’s leading chefs, who channel her catalogue of heirloom crops in their own work.
This is zero intervention, natural growing to the last detail. Nevia grows each of the farm’s 100 varieties chemical-free, with organic methods drafted as a last resort. In line with Buddhist philosophy, Nevia believes that with each new naturally occurring stress factor comes a greater depth of flavor. Anything that can’t withstand that strain gets thrown onto the farm’s living compost pile, to be used as fertilizer for next year’s crops. It’s her thoughtful, measured growing plan - spreading her crops and rotations evenly throughout the year - that allows her to absorb the loss.
EARLY BULAM
Years ago, the Early Bulam variety was introduced to the Union Square Greenmarket by Nevia of Bodhi Tree and Steve of Lani’s. This Korean variety of summer squash was nicknamed 'Avocado' Squash by the pair due to the unique color of its flesh when cooked, its avocado-like shape, and its rich, dense flesh which packs more flavor than traditional summer squash varietals.
JAPANESE CUCUMBER
Nevia cultivates three varieties: the dark green Nokya from Japan, the bi-colored Dadagi from Korea and a new variety of White Japanese. Nevia trellises her cucumbers, carefully adjusting the string each day allowing for further vertical growth. She picks fruit at 7-8 inches in length every day. Nevia's attention to detail and dedication to soil health results in exceptionally flavorful produce.
OVERWINTERED SPINACH
Overwintered crops are radically seasonal, requiring thoughtful planning and foresight. Planted in the late summer or fall, hard frosts will kill any exposed leaves but leave the roots intact and full of vital energy stores. With warming spring temperatures and extended daylight hours, new growth shoots up. These new, tender leaves produce more sugars than usual, a natural response to the freezing overnight temperatures of early spring.
MULTICOLORED SNOW PEAS
In 1976, Calvin Lamborn bred the first commercially viable Sugar Snap Pea. Rod has taken up his father’s legacy promoting and creating new varieties of peas which are unrivaled in terms of flavor and beauty. By bringing Nevia and Rod together, these incredible varieties are now being grown at Bodhitree farm. It is part of our mission to connect talented growers like Nevia with flavor-focused breeders like Rod.
