Straight from the Earth: The Story of Simply Son Braho

The lockdown period marked a rare occasion when Brenda and her family found themselves under one roof for an extended period. With her three sons usually away for university or boarding school, their time in Mallorca offered a unique opportunity to bond. "We spent our evenings cooking large meals and playing games. Despite the hardships many faced during the lockdown, it brought our family closer," Brenda shares. This newfound appreciation for communal dining and healthy eating sparked a broader concern for the planet. "I began to contemplate the pandemic and its global implications. With supermarket shelves in London running bare, I wondered, 'How can we, as a family, become as self-reliant as possible?'" As her sons focused on their studies, Brenda embarked on a journey to learn about sustainable farming. She delved into books, documentaries, and expanded her kitchen garden. "The most significant change we can make is to cut down our meat and fish consumption. So, I concentrated on that and diversified our plantings," she explains. The outcome was a verdant oasis brimming with fruits and vegetables spread over five hectares of fertile land. "I planted a little bit of everything and ended up with so much produce that it was overwhelming," she admits with a chuckle. The surplus produce led Brenda to connect with other farmers and inaugurate her own farm shop in Santa Catalina.

Brenda's farm, a sanctuary for everything from crimson hens and buzzing beehives to succulent broccoli and crisp radishes, is a testament to minimal impact farming. It's a pesticide-free, soon-to-be-certified organic haven. A local permaculture team harvests the produce, and Brenda, with the assistance of her plant-based chef, Jeff, prepares fresh meals. "Our goal extends beyond providing nutritious farm produce and meals. We want to raise awareness about our dietary choices. It's as much about education as it is about food," Brenda emphasizes. Currently, workshops and classes are conducted at her Santa Catalina base, which also houses a full delicatessen and a corner for local products. Brenda envisions opening her Alaró farm to families in the future. "I aim to continue developing the farm so that children can come, bring their own baskets, and pick what they like," she shares, eager to create a future that balances self-sustainability and enjoyment.