HyCube Hydroponic System Unveiled At Orlando World Center Marriott
HyCube Hydroponic System Unveiled At Orlando World Center Marriott
The world's first HyCube, a structure that grows produce hydroponically in a controlled environment, was unveiled at the Orlando World Center Marriott. (Lauren Delgado / Orlando Sentinel)
Lauren Delgado Contact Reporter
Orlando Sentinel Food Reporter
Chef Eric Martinez’s excitement was palpable as he gazed at the 1,500-square-foot glass and metal structure called a HyCube in front of him.
Inside were shelves of vegetables and herbs. Below the plants is a hydroponic system devoid of soil. Above, pink LED grow lights. Scientists gowned in lab coats and shoe coverings chatted in a group nearby.
Martinez, the executive chef for the Orlando World Center Marriott, can be cooking with ramps 40 days after he requests them from those scientists.
“It’s not like I have to worry about the time frame,” Martinez said of the trendy seasonal leek-like vegetable.
The HyCube was unveiled on the Harvest Terrace at the hotel on Thursday by the Eco Convergence Group, which is working to build the system at other hotels and restaurants.
Shelves of produce are grown under pink LED lights that mimic the red and blue spectrums plants need to grow. (Lauren Delgado / Orlando Sentinel)
The Marriott’s HyCube can hold between 15,000 and 25,000 plants on its vertical shelving towers. The plants are grown in a soil-free, contaminate-free and pest-free environment that also offers filtered air and water.
Thanks to a recirculating water system, the HyCube uses 90 percent less water than traditional farming.
Diners are becoming more conscientious of where there food comes from and how it’s grown, Martinez said, citing inquiries over organic, pesticide-free, non-GMO food in particular.
“We’re now able to give it to all of our guests,” he said.
The produce will be used at the hotel’s nine restaurants including its newest eatery, Latitude & Longitude, which has a view of the HyCube.
“It’ll be one of the attractions of this attraction-filled city,” said Cristian Toma, the CEO of Eco Convergence Group.