Fresh from the Start, a division of Andrew & Sons in Westhampton Beach, NY, is set to kick off the season for Maine broccoli.

“We prepare for this crop all year,” said Eric Scannelli, senior vice president of sales at the company, which is located at the eastern end of Long Island. “We begin preparing the fields immediately following harvest and work with our grower throughout the year to ensure a successful crop. When customers buy from us, they are dealing directly with the grower.”

Scannelli added that all broccoli is hand-cut and packed in the field to minimize bruising and post-harvest handling.

Shipping broccoli for over 25 years, Fresh from the Start provides next-day delivery to most major markets, resulting in fresher product. Scannelli said that shipments would start in early to mid-July and continue through October.