ALASKA: Indoor Produce Sprouts In Anchorage
Author: Alex DeMarban
Anchorage Greens: This new indoor farm at 1207 E. 73rd Ave. in South Anchorage is building a devoted clientele eager for tasty lettuce, herbs, and other greens, especially in winter when grocery stores can run low on quality produce.“
This is amazing produce," said customer John Schoen, buying a tub of butter lettuce and other leafy veggies on Friday. “Nothing at the grocery stores comes anywhere near this.”
“Our family doesn’t drive much," said Meghan Holton, another customer grabbing an order. "But we drive here every week to get fresh greens because it tastes like summer.”
Anchorage Greens is an expansion of Juneau Greens, a similar business in the state’s capital, said Trevor Kirchhoff, who co-owns the businesses with John Krapek.In the back of Anchorage Greens’ warehouse, a vivid green garden grows in a hydroponic system.
Racks of plants sit in nutrient-filled water under LED lights.
The first plants were harvested in November. Customers can subscribe to the Greens Bag program, a weekly rotating menu of lettuces and herbs including basil, cilantro, and red-veined sorrel. Kirchhoff said customers can also buy items individually.
The store features hard-to-find veggies such as purple-leafed basil, a colorful take on the herb.
Anchorage Greens has done no advertising, Kirchhoff said. Clients are learning about it through word of mouth.
Business owner Trevor Kirchhoff closes the cooler door at Anchorage Greens, Jan. 3, 2020. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Lead Photo: Plants grow at Anchorage Greens, Jan. 3, 2020. (Anne Raup / ADN)