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5 Microgreen Types Packed With Nutrients You Should Be Eating
Microgreens are known for their nutrient-packed health benefits. But which microgreen types are the most nutritious and healthy to add to our diets? We are going to cover the top nutritious microgreen types and why you should add them to your eating habits now.
Microgreens are known for their nutrient-packed health benefits. But which microgreen types are the most nutritious and healthy to add to our diets? We are going to cover the top nutritious microgreen types and why you should add them to your eating habits now.
Arugula
In microgreen form, arugula has a nutty, peppery, wasabi-like taste. Arugula is one of the microgreen types that is nutrient-dense. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, copper, and iron, which help prevent illnesses like anemia. The phytochemicals also produce glutathione, which is an antioxidant. The combination of these health benefits help prevent and fight off toxins in the body.
Basil
The basil microgreen is a healthy addition to any salad since it has a crisp, citrus-like taste. This microgreen type has polyphenols that reduce oxidation and inflammation to promote gut health. It is high in vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, and it contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Basil is one of the microgreen types that are rich and nutrient-dense and can be a beneficial additive to your diet.
Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are one of the microgreen types that can be eaten raw or cooked. Add them to your salad or cook them in a stir fry to add nutrient-packed vegetables to your food. These microgreens have a plethora of vitamins such as vitamin A and C and folic acid.
Radish
Radish microgreens are known for their spicy flavor profile. You can top off your dishes with the raw radish sprouts to add some heat to any dish. These microgreens are rich in vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. They also contain high amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Radish sprouts contain amino acids and chlorophyll, which helps fight illnesses such as cancer.
Broccoli
Broccoli microgreens is another one of the microgreen types that are delicious and nutrient-packed. These popular microgreens contain a high amount of vitamin C, which helps our immune system fight off sickness. They also contain antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds.
Want to learn more?
Do you want to learn how to grow microgreens from the comfort of your home? We at the Nick Greens Grow Team use our in-depth knowledge to teach our subscribers how to grow microgreens at home!
Sign up for our microgreens class that takes place every Friday at 4:30 pm CST, and become a member of our FaceBook group to connect with others who are learning just like you. If you don’t want to take a class, subscribe to our blog and Youtube channel for weekly updates about growing microgreens and other farming related news!
#microgreentypes #microgreenstypes #microgreentype #microgreenstype #bestmicrogreenstogrow #bestmicrogreens #microgreenvarieties #microgreensvarieties #microgreenvariety #microgreensvariety #growingmicrogreen #growingmicrogreens #microgreen #microgreens
6 Major Microgreen Health Benefits That Will Boost Your Overall Health
These micro plants aren’t just decorative additions to food dishes, but they also pack a nutritious, healthy punch
Microgreens are tiny leafy vegetables that come with a multitude of health benefits. These micro plants aren’t just decorative additions to food dishes, but they also pack a nutritious, healthy punch. Some microgreen species can even be 40 times more potent than their regular, larger counterparts. In this article, we’re going to discuss the 6 major microgreen health benefits that will boost your overall health.
1) Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease
One of the crucial microgreen health benefits is that these tiny vegetables contain a high number of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to lowering the risk for heart disease. Antioxidants are known for their ability to prevent free radicals from growing. Free radicals are reactive compounds that cause cell damage and diseases. Not only are microgreens a carrier of polyphenols, but they also contain a higher number compared to their mature vegetable counterparts.
2) Minimize Risk of Certain Cancers
Since microgreens carry a large amount of polyphenols, they can lower the risk for different kinds of cancer. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants can be a fantastic addition to disease prevention.
3) Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Even though they’re small for their size, microgreens have a vast array of health benefits. These tiny vegetables can have up to 40 times as much nutrients compared to mature vegetables. Knowing this, it can be life changing to incorporate small amounts of microgreens in every meal because they’re packed with nutritional benefits.
4) Can Improve Eyesight
Another wonderful microgreen health benefit is that these leafy greens contain lutein, which is a phytochemical seen in vision health. When you’re staring at your screen for too long, the intense rays can cause headaches, eye strain, and more. Lutein makes it easier for your eyes to absorb any excess light intensity to relieve headaches or other harm caused by excess light.
5) Reduces the Risk of Diabetes
One of the major microgreen health benefits is that they’re packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants can help lower the stress that prevents sugar from entering cells. Fenugreek is a specific microgreen known for its ability to increase sugar uptake in cells.
6) Lowers Chance of Alzheimer’s
Foods that are high in polyphenols may be able to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are high in Vitamin B and carotenoids which may lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to cognitive decline. The microgreen version of cruciferous vegetables will be packed with even more vitamins and nutrients and should be incorporated in a daily diet to prevent disease.
Microgreen health benefits are vast and can not only boost our immune systems but also keep us healthy and safe from certain diseases. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to grow your own microgreen from home but aren’t sure how, subscribe to our weekly blog and YouTube channel for all the newest tips and tricks. You can also sign up to our new microgreens class and join our Facebook group to learn from others wanting to learn!
#microgreenshealthbenefits #microgreenbenefits #healthymicrogreens #microgreens #urbanfarming #locallygrown #healthyliving #benefitsofmicrogreens #nutrition #eathealthy #healthyplate #healthfirst #healthconscious #healthyfood #microgreengoodness #livehealthy
Consumer Preference For Microgreens
Scientists at Department of Agricultural Sciences - University of Naples Federico II (Portici, Italy) have investigated whether sensory attributes and visual appearance affect consumer preference for microgreens and their willingness to consume them
Microgreens are tender immature greens of wild species, herbs, grains, or vegetables, harvested upon the emergence of the first pair of true leaves. Microgreens are analogous in size to sprouts but are eaten without the roots and require additional days to thrive and acquire larger, colored, and flavor-rich leaves under light conditions. Despite their immaturity, microgreens are characterized by sharp flavors, vivid colors, tender textures, and a great source of phytonutrients.
Recently, microgreens demand is increasing, they are requested for their freshness and health-promoting properties associated with densely fortified secondary metabolites. While numerous species are being tested for agronomic and nutritional suitability, consumer acceptance of appearance, texture, and flavor is critical for the microgreens’ marketplace success.
Scientists at the Department of Agricultural Sciences - University of Naples Federico II (Portici, Italy) have investigated whether sensory attributes and visual appearance affect consumer preference for microgreens and their willingness to consume them. The sensory attributes of 12 microgreens species were appraised through an untrained consumer test and a partial least squares structural equation model was developed to link sensorial attributes to consumer willingness to consume it, as consumer preferences will drive the future of the microgreens market.
Microgreens species investigated: 1. Komatsuna; 2. Tatsoi; 3. Pak choi; 4.Cress; 5. Mibuna; 6. Mizuna; 7. Swiss chard; 8. Amaranth; 9. Coriander; 10. Green basil; 11. Purplebasil; 12. Purslane.
"Results showed that although visual appearance of the microgreens was largely appreciated, consumer acceptance overall was mainly determined by flavor and texture - explain the scientists - In particular, the lower the astringency, sourness, and bitterness, the higher the consumer acceptability of microgreens. Among the 12 examined species, mibuna and cress scored the lowest acceptance by consumers, while Swiss chard and coriander were the most appreciated, being therefore good candidates to be introduced in Western country markets. In addition, both Swiss chard and coriander have been identified by previous literature as a good dietary source of phenolic antioxidants."
This study has contributed to the knowledge regarding consumer acceptability of microgreens by exposing important implications related to the selection and commercialization of new microgreens species. "Further studies could investigate in detail the relationship between sensory attributes and chemical composition of microgreens and study consumer knowledge of the healthy and nutritional characteristics of microgreens and how the acceptability can be affected by the information level of the consumer. Indeed, providing information about the food product characteristics represents one of the key instruments for increasing consumer interest and positive perception of the product", scientists conclude.
Source: Francesco Caracciolo, Christophe El-Nakhel, Maria Raimondo, Marios C. Kyriacou, Luigi Cembalo, Stefania De Pascale, Youssef Rouphael, 'Sensory Attributes and Consumer Acceptability of 12 Microgreens Species', 2020, Agronomy, Vol. 10(7), 1043.
Publication date: Thu 27 Aug 2020
Author: Emanuela Fontana
© HortiDaily.com
4 Tips on How to Harvest Microgreens From Growing Containers
When it comes to harvesting microgreens, the process is fairly simple. Most plants take around 7 to 14 days to grow, but this depends on the specific microgreen plant you’re growing since the germination and harvesting times differ from species to species.
When it comes to harvesting microgreens, the process is fairly simple. Most plants take around 7 to 14 days to grow, but this depends on the specific microgreen plant you’re growing since the germination and harvesting times differ from species to species. This article is going to provide you with 4 tips on how to successfully harvest microgreens from growing containers.
Tip 1: You Don’t Have to Wash Your Microgreen Harvest
If you’re using a small microgreen growing container, you can expect a simple, yet efficient harvest. Once it’s time to harvest your microgreens, hold your container over a bowl to collect them, and tilt the container to snip the stems. You do not have to wash your microgreen harvest if the crop has been watered from the bottom because it should be free from any soil. However, if you do notice soil on the stems, then you can rinse them with water to get rid of any leftover soil.
Tip 2: You Can Refrigerate Your Harvest to Extend Its Shelf Life
If you happen to grow microgreens in repurposed growing containers, you can refrigerate your microgreens before it's time to harvest. When it comes time to snip your microgreens, you can extend their shelf life by placing your microgreen growing container in your refrigerator. However, the cold air can dry out your microgreens, so make sure to place the container in a plastic bag. By doing this, your microgreens can be in the fridge for an extra week as long as you make sure to bottom water the plants anytime the soil starts to feel dry if you leave the plastic bag open. Once you’re ready to eat the microgreens, place the container on a windowsill or anywhere to allow it to reach room temperature–then it’s safe to eat!
Tip 3: Harvest Your Microgreens One Portion at a Time (Or In Patches)
If you’re not ready to eat your entire grow, then you can snip your desired patches by rows or patches. You’ll want to make sure to leave space for your leftover growing microgreens to lean as they grow. This is a more commonly used method for tray gardening where you’ll have larger pulls.
Tip 4: Do Not Pull Microgreens Directly From the Soil
It’s very important to not pull your plants straight from the soil in the microgreen growing container. Doing so can disturb the plant's roots and affect your harvest. This is why it’s best to use scissors to cut the stems to your liking.
We at the Nick Greens Grow Team strive to utilize our expertise and vast knowledge to inform our readers about the process of growing microgreens. If you would like to learn more about harvesting microgreens from growing containers or anything microgreen-related then sign up for our new microgreens class that’s happening every Friday! Can’t attend? Then make sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for the latest microgreen-growing updates.
Oversized Nutrition In Micro Form
At April Sun, our microgreens and herbs are cultured in a commercial-sized vertical farm to provide the highest quality produce to Melbournians 365 days a year
Other than their fun size, microgreens are overflowing with nutrients and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Glucobrassicin.
Research shows that microgreens can contain in excess of 100 times the nutrients by weight than their mature counterparts, so adding a small amount of microgreens into your diet can provide you with those vital nutrients your body needs.
Locally and sustainably grown fresh produce
At April Sun, our microgreens and herbs are cultured in a commercial-sized vertical farm to provide the highest quality produce to Melbournians 365 days a year. We utilise 95% less water than traditional farming methods, and our microgreens are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides so you can trust what you’re eating is great for your health and the environment.
Hydroponic Microgreens 2: Marketing Microgreens Feat. Nick Greens
A big thank you to Nick Greens for all the helpful insights he shared with us! Learn more about Nick by visiting Nick Greens Grow Team.
A big thank you to Nick Greens for all the helpful insights he shared with us!
Learn more about Nick by visiting Nick Greens Grow Team.
If you're ready to get started growing, check out some of our favorite systems for microgreens!
AmHydro Propagation Systems
The Best Growing Mediums For Microgreens
Growing microgreens is an easy and sustainable process that you can do from the comfort of your home. You can grow all kinds of nutritious microgreens that will enhance the flavor of your foods
Growing microgreens is an easy and sustainable process that you can do from the comfort of your home. You can grow all kinds of nutritious microgreens that will enhance the flavor of your foods. These special vegetable-like plants grow from 1-3 inches and are vibrant additions to your foods. They are also jam-packed with vitamins and antioxidants. We're going to discuss the different growing mediums you can use for your microgreens.
Soil
Using soil as your growing medium is a popular and effective choice. Soil will provide you with the best yields over any other medium. We believe the Sunshine #4 by Sunshine Aggregate is the best, and the Black Gold Potting Mix is a close second. Each of these soils are extremely sterile, which is ideal for indoor growing. While these soils can cost more (about $1 per 10x20 tray), they provide the best results. But, don't worry. You can compost and sterilize your soil to re-use it for future grows.
Burlap
Burlap is another popular growing medium because it's cheap. For .25 cents a tray, you can't beat the price. It is made from the jute plant, which is used to make nets and ropes. But burlap is an incredibly difficult growing medium to use. The perfect growing conditions for burlap include 72 degrees Fahrenheit, 65% humidity, and a good micro-dose fertigation plan (fertilizer + irrigation). If you can populate these results, then you can achieve yields and results that match soil mixes.
But be mindful that this takes a lot of practice and time, which is why using burlap is better for expert growers. If you don't get the growing conditions right, then your yields will suffer. We recommend using larger seeds like Pea Shoots and Wheatgrass when using burlap. These seeds will thrive with a burlap growing medium, and you will get bountiful results.
Coco Coir
This growing medium comes from coconut fiber. It's perfect for holding in moisture and is difficult to over-water. It is cheaper than soil (about .60 cents a tray), but it's just as messy. Coco coir has a better yield average than burlap, about a 25% to 30% better average. You will find this growing medium in dehydrated blocks. When you add water, they will expand way past their original size. You can use coco coir with an ebb and flow hydroponic method.
Jute Pads
This growing medium is derived from jute fiber. It's able to transport water evenly through your microgreens and maintain a near-perfect water/air ratio. It holds in water very well, which means you'll have to feed your microgreens less. Kale and broccoli grow especially well in jute pads.
What's the Best Growing Medium?
This entirely depends on your growing intentions. What are you planning to grow and how much effort are you willing to put in? We're going to cover the main questions you should ask yourself that will help you make this decision.
Feeding Your Plants: If you want to water your plants by hand, then we recommend soil and coco coir. But if you're able to feed your plants on a timer, then go for burlap or jute pads. It can be a better option because it's cost-effective and can still get the job done.
Choosing Your Seeds: What kind of microgreens do you plan to grow? If you're growing broccoli or kale, then we recommend buying jute pads. Do you want to grow a wide variety of seeds? Then choose soil or coco coir as your growing medium.
Messy Vs. Clean: Do you hate cleaning up messes? Then it's best to steer clear of soil and coco coir. Go with jute pads since they're easy to handle and clean.
Choosing your growing medium ultimately boils down to what you're planning on growing and how much effort you want to exert. We hope this list helped you understand what kinds of growing mediums there are and how they can help you yield the best results.
We are the microgreen growing experts. We're even working with NASA to help figure out how to get microgreens safely into space for astronauts to use! We meet once a month to discuss a variety of topics about microgreens. So, keep reading our blogs and watching our informative YouTube videos. There will always be exciting news coming your way.
#growing #medium #growingmedium #growingmedia #microgreeneducation #microgreensfarmer #microgreens #microgreen #bestmediatogrow #SmartNaturals #growmedia #growmedium #growingmicrogreens
VIDEO: Growing Microgreens With Coffee Grounds
Simple step by step processes on growing microgreens, items required are spent coffee grounds, jelly cup, measuring spoon, spray bottle, paper towels, and seeds
Nick Greens
How to Use Spent Coffee Grounds for Planting
Nutritious Microgreens
Are you a coffee lover that hates to throw away your spent coffee grounds? Well, there's some good news. Coffee grounds have a miraculous wide range of benefits that are beneficial for your garden. In this article, we are going to cover how you can use spent coffee grounds for planting microgreens at home.
Making the best out of waste
As humans, we consume plenty of goods, but we also produce a lot of waste. We need to learn as a society how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Learning how to use coffee grounds for planting microgreens is a great way to start and make use of our waste.
What items will you need to grow microgreens
So you've decided to start growing microgreens. We're going to cover the inexpensive items you will need to start this simple process.
Spent Coffee Grounds
Jelly Cups (or a small plastic container you have around the house)
Paper Towel
What's wonderful about this list is that it is extremely cheap. Using coffee grounds for planting microgreens is affordable for everyone.
How to use coffee grounds for planting microgreens
Growing microgreens with coffee grounds is actually quite simple.
First, you will get your spent coffee grounds and place them on the paper towel. Make sure to dampen the grounds to soak up the moisture.
Then you will place the spent coffee grounds on a fresh paper towel and let them dry overnight.
The next day you will place the dried coffee grounds in your jelly cup. Grab your spray bottle and lightly spray the top of the grounds.
Next, you will want to grab your microgreen seeds with a small measuring spoon. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the grounds. You will want to grab the spray bottle and spray the seeds lightly.
You are going to use another jelly cup to be the humidifier dome. Do a light spray on the second jelly cup and place it over the first one that contains the seeds. Leave in the dark like this for a day or two and then place in the light.
After about 7 - 10 days, the microgreens will sprout. You can now cut them and eat them with salads or to decorate your foods.
This process is easy-to-understand and simplified. Using your spent coffee grounds for planting microgreens is a cost-effective way to grow food at home.
Why Is This Important?
Learning how to grow your own food is essential for families and tight-knit communities. We grow, flourish, and bond over food; and when it grows close to home, we are even more connected. Using coffee grounds for growing microgreens is for everyone to try. Microgreens are great to share with the family, to decorate your plates, and to enhance flavor. Take control of your food and start growing today.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these posts:
"Urban Vertical Farming"
"How to stay healthy and grow microgreens"
#coffeegroundsforplanting #microgreens #microgreen #growmicrogreens #growingmicrogreens #spentcoffeegrounds #microgreensathome #growingfood
Vertical Field Changes The Kosher Produce Consumption
Today, Vertical Field announces its Star-K certification so that any company or community in cities around the world can benefit from growing and supplying its own fresh kosher greens locally and easily
Vertical Field Meets Star-K Kosher Certification
Vertical Field's customers can now benefit
from Star-K kosher certified greens
NEWS PROVIDED BY Vertical Field
TEL AVIV, Israel, April 1, 2020, / PRNewswire
Today, Vertical Field announces its Star-K certification so that any company or community in cities around the world can benefit from growing and supplying its own fresh kosher greens locally and easily. Star-K recognizes that Vertical Field's pesticide-free, soil-based urban farming operations lend themselves to producing naturally kosher products, in its highest level.
In fact, the greens are grown indoors in Vertical's Field's Urban farm, entirely free from exposure to insects, and since green agricultural produce is a naturally occurring plant that comes from the earth, they're almost fail-safe kosher after washing.
Vertical Field offers a never-been-done-before approach for supermarkets, restaurants, institutions, and hotels to take complete ownership of the supply chain by growing their own vertical living walls of delicious, naturally kosher greens — at the same time removing transportation expenses, reducing inventory costs, and ensuring year-round food supply regardless of climate or weather conditions.
CEO of Vertical Field Guy Elitzur said, "What Vertical Field offers together with the global kosher organization Star-K is the opportunity for anyone to enjoy kosher produce grown onsite at the local supermarket, restaurant, university, or company. You cannot get fresher greens if you pick it right off the wall once it's ready for harvesting. With Star-K's support and collaboration, Vertical Field is changing the way people think about kosher greens and vegetables."
President of Star-K Dr. Avrom Pollak said, "Vertical Field's revolutionary agro-technology offers the kosher consuming community a healthy, organic, pesticide-free solution for agricultural produce, ensuring peace of mind and promising quality. We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative new food supply initiative that makes kosher-eating communities' lives easy and healthy."
Vertical Field is committed to scaling the urban farm concept as well as exploring collaborations in agro-tech.
About Vertical Field
Vertical Field develops vertical indoor farming and landscaping solutions for urban environments and smart cities. The company was established in 2006, motivated to restore nature in the urban lifestyle. Vertical Field specializes in indoor and outdoor vertical plant growth solutions that improve well-being and environmental conditions in cities.
Additional Resources
Website: www.verticalfield.com
Media Contact: Natalie Ben Shaul
natalieb@verticalfield.com
SOURCE Vertical Field
https://www.verticalfield.com
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How To Grow Microgreens With Children
Microgreens can be taught to everyone, not just adults. Let’s face it, most children stay inside and play video games. What do children know about farming, besides crops and cows?
Microgreens can be taught to everyone, not just adults. Let’s face it, most children stay inside and play video games. What do children know about farming, besides crops and cows? This is the current stigma that has been associated with farming for the longest time. That’s great and all, but along came microgreens. Watching the microgreens sprout is really something that can’t be explained. It’s exciting and might inspire children to be urban farmers or just entrepreneurs. Introducing microgreens to children at a young age is engaging and fulfilling. It’s become a field where innovation is key and the younger generation has plenty of ideas. It’s also a fun and exciting way to connect kids with nature.
Here at Nick Greens Grow Team we worked with Kipp One Academy Charter school and had put in place a program that developed an understanding of where food comes. It was a success as the children and faculty all had to work together to make this work. This made it possible for children to connect with and appreciate the food they eat. They might even want to eat veggies if they see them in the form of microgreens. Having the microgreens program also gave children the fundamentals. The fundamentals are important because children can attempt to grow much more challenging microgreens.
Here are our steps to grow at home with your children:
Grab a 10X20 tray with drainage holes and fill it 1" thick with moist coco coir.
Weigh 14 grams of arugula microgreens Seeds into seed shaker, then broadcast evenly across the 10X20 tray.
Apply an even mist of water to the tray, then cover it with a humidity dome and place it in a dark space.
Germinate for two or three days in a dark location with at least 75% - 80% humidity. Water as described in step three at least once a day.
Remove humidity dome from the tray on day two/three. Then begin feeding plants your favorite fertilizer using a low flood/continuous flow method of irrigation.
Micro Arugula will be ready for harvest around 7-14 days, They will need about 8 to 16 hours of light with a typical fluorescent grow light about 12"-15" from the base of the plant.
It’s a fun process and gets children to get active and appreciate the world. Who knows maybe your child will start a whole urban farm in your backyard or basement.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post:"Guide to growing microgreens"
TAGS: #growingmicrogreens #microgreens #organicmicrogreens #microgreen #growathome #growfoodathome #microarugula #arugula #urbanfarming #urbanfarm
VIDEO: The Microgreens Show - Episode 16 Crop Talk
Episode 16 Crop Talk
Understanding the Principles of Producing
Quick-Turn Crops w/ Nick Greens
Michigan State University’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grant Funded by The USDA
The initiative, OptimIA, which stands for Optimizing Indoor Agriculture, aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of indoor leafy-greens production
The initiative, OptimIA, which stands for Optimizing Indoor Agriculture, aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of indoor leafy-greens production.
February 11, 2020
A multi-university team of horticulturists, engineers and agricultural economists led by Michigan State University (MSU) has received a four-year, $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study indoor production of leafy greens. Industry partners have matched funding, bringing the project total to $5.4 million. The investigators on the grant include Erik Runkle, Roberto Lopez and Simone Valle de Souza of Michigan State University; Chieri Kubota of Ohio State University; Cary Mitchell of Purdue University and Murat Kacira of University of Arizona.
Leafy greens include commonly consumed vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and microgreens. Production challenges outdoors have led to interest in growing these specialty crops hydroponically in controlled environments, such as indoor farms. However, there is little information on whether this is economically viable. Capital and operating costs can be significant for startups, especially as it relates to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and cooling systems. Leafy greens are a good candidate for indoor farming because they can be grown rapidly and in relatively small spaces. Indoor environments are heavily controlled, so growers aren’t constrained to a small geographic area within the U.S. There are, however, other geographic concerns.
The team and its collaborators have three major goals:
Defining optimal profitability based on yield and other high-value attributes of the plants, such as nutrition content.
Optimizing indoor environmental conditions, such as humidity, air movement, temperature, light and carbon dioxide concentration, to increase yield and high-value attributes.
Encouraging indoor farming stakeholders to collaborate with academic and industry groups that are working in controlled-environment agriculture.
The long-term project goals are to help integrate indoor farming into the specialty-crop segment of agriculture in the U.S.; to increase the sustainability and hence profitability of this rapidly emerging sector; and to locally produce leafy greens that have higher quality attributes.
To this end, economists will better understand operating and capital expenditures (capex), and define risk and production scenarios that are most profitable. Horticulturists and engineers will improve production efficiency, product quality and value-added attributes of leafy greens for reliable, consistent, year-round production. In addition, the team will design and test more effective localized air-distribution methods suitable for indoor production systems, as well as develop strategies to better manage humidity around plants to reduce tip burn.
While the project focuses on leafy greens, the results will also inform a wide range of controlled-environment growers through the development of growth recipes, strategies for nutritional content and anthocyanin enhancement, environmental management recommendations, and insights for economic sustainability as well as market and consumer perception of locally produced crops.
For more information, visit the project website here.
Leafy greens Sustainability USDA Microgreens Controlled Environment Agriculture
Growing Sunflower Shoot Microgreens
We tend to know sunflowers as the beautiful flowers that we see while strolling through a trail, or neighborhood park. Sunflowers, although beautiful, aren’t just ornamental, but they can be used for other purposes too
Microgreens Facts
February 28, 2020
We tend to know sunflowers as the beautiful flowers that we see while strolling through a trail, or neighborhood park. Sunflowers, although beautiful, aren’t just ornamental, but they can be used for other purposes too. The use of sunflowers has been around since the time of American Indians. The American Indian tribes would often use it for cooking, snacks and medicinal purposes. Most of us are familiar with snacking on sunflower seeds or the use of the oil through cooking, but did you know that they are also gaining popularity during the first shoot. Did you know that you can actually consume the shoots? There are incredible health benefits that come from consuming sunflower microgreens. The shoots are high in unsaturated fats, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, and other nutrients.
Here are some facts about sunflower shoots:
Sunflower Sprouts contain approximately 25% protein and are a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, and E and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.
Sunflower Shoots also contain, healthy fats, essential fatty acids, fiber, and phytosterols. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that daily consumption of foods enriched with at least 0.8 g of plant sterols or stanols lowers serum LDL cholesterol.
Both sunflower seeds and their shoots contain high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C and selenium to reduce blood pressure, increase the elasticity of arteries and prevent heart disease.
The sunflower shoot is a natural expectorant for chest congestion: In Ayurvedic medicine, these sprouts are thought to have the ability to encourage clearance of the lungs. Natural expectorants may also be used as a preventative measure against lower respiratory infections to deter the invasion of pathogens.
Sunflower shoots at first may not look very impressive but when applied to food they tend to steal the show. Sunflower shoots tend to elevate any dish, from throwing a few on a simple salad to a Michelin star restaurant gracefully placing a shoot on top of something extraordinary. Sunflower shoots are graced with a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
We love sunflower shoots so we’ll be giving you some tips on how to grow them. Here are some of our tips on how to grow them.
Cycle: 9-11 days from seed to harvest
Soak:
Room temperature water, 8-12 hours
60 minute sanitize can serve as soaking
Key Growing Strategies:
Soak seeds in room temperature water
Minimized, but optimized light exposure
Do not let lodge when covered
Water stress leads to hardier shoots - they can recover from severe wilt in a matter of hours
Uncovering:
Sunnies should be uncovered when shoots are about 2 inches long or shorter.
A better indicator than shoot length is that they should be uncovered when still perfectly vertical and before the weight of covering trays causes them to lodge
light.
Minimum 2 days light in summer; 3-4 days better in winter, 4 days optimum, depending on conditions.
Double up cover trays to prevent light pockets through drainage holes.
Avoid excess or overly intense light as this can cause an undesirable texture.
Watering:
Do not water upon uncovering - give at least one-day stress
Water consistently afterward for good growth; wet soil also makes trays easier to clean
Be sure to water trays consistently - back of trays often neglected
Rotate trays 180 degrees every 2 days in winter growing conditions
Excess water in hot conditions creates rapid growth but a flavorless and inferior sprout
Drainage is crucial
Stressors:
Restricting water early in the uncovered stage leads to a redder stem and nuttier flavor
Colder weather stunts growth can also cause reddened stems
Excess heat causes rapid, weak growth
Disease:
Susceptible to mold with poor air circulation and warm, wet conditions
Mold susceptibility varies between seed lots
Minor disease can be present in 5-10% of trays with little effect on yield
Disease presence on new seeds is to be expected as they adapt to conditions in the greenhouse; 3-5 weeks may be required for the greenhouse ecosystem to adapt to new seeds
These are just some general tips on how to grow sunflower shoot microgreens. We’re in love with Sunflower shoots over here at Nick Greens. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Tags: microgreens sunflower micro shoots microgreen growingtips growingfood growing microgreens
Improving The Profitability and Sustainability of Indoor Leafy-greens Production
A multi-university team of horticulturists, engineers and agricultural economists led by Michigan State University (MSU) has received a four-year, $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study indoor production of leafy greens. Industry partners have matched funding, bringing the project total to $5.4 million
February 11, 2020
By urbanagnews
A multi-university team of horticulturists, engineers and agricultural economists led by Michigan State University (MSU) has received a four-year, $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study indoor production of leafy greens. Industry partners have matched funding, bringing the project total to $5.4 million. The investigators on the grant include Erik Runkle, Roberto Lopez and Simone Valle de Souza of Michigan State University, Chieri Kubota of Ohio State University, Cary Mitchell of Purdue University and Murat Kacira of University of Arizona.
Leafy greens include commonly consumed vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and microgreens. Production challenges outdoors have led to interest in growing these specialty crops hydroponically in controlled environments, such as indoor farms. However, there is little information on whether this is economically viable. Capital and operating costs can be significant for startups, especially as it relates to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and cooling systems. Leafy greens are a good candidate for indoor farming because they can be grown rapidly and in relatively small spaces. Indoor environments are heavily controlled, so growers aren’t constrained to a small geographic area within the U.S. There are, however, other geographic concerns.
The team and its collaborators have three major goals:
Define optimal profitability based on yield and other high-value attributes of the plants, such as nutrition content
Optimize indoor environmental conditions, such as humidity, air movement, temperature, light and carbon dioxide concentration, to increase yield and high-value attributes
Encourage indoor farming stakeholders to collaborate with academic and industry groups that are working in controlled-environment agriculture.
The long-term project goals are to help integrate indoor farming into the specialty-crop segment of agriculture in the U.S.; to increase the sustainability and hence profitability of this rapidly emerging sector, and to locally produce leafy greens that have higher quality attributes. To this end, our economists will better understand operating and capital expenditures (capex), and define risk and production scenarios that are most profitable. Our horticulturists and engineers will improve production efficiency, product quality, and value-added attributes of leafy greens for reliable, consistent, year-round production. In addition, the team will design and test more effective localized air-distribution methods suitable for indoor production systems, as well as develop strategies to better manage humidity around plants to reduce tip burn. While the project focuses on leafy greens, the results will also inform a wide range of controlled-environment growers through the development of growth recipes, strategies for nutritional content and anthocyanin enhancement, environmental management recommendations, and insights for economic sustainability as well as market and consumer perception of locally produced crops.
For more information, visit the project website at scri-optimia.org.
U.K Aeroponic Start-Up LettUs Grow: 'Not Everyone Is Sold on Vertical Farming Initially'
Thankfully, the image of vertical farming is changing rapidly. Nowadays, aeroponic technology "is recognized more as a business plan rather than a pipe dream," said Langley. Indoor farming has also been getting loads more attention
December 05, 2019
Farmers across the globe are searching for sustainable, tech-savvy alternatives as climate change increasingly impacts agriculture's profitability.
LettUs Grow, a Bristol-based aeroponics tech company that provides technology to farms in the U.K., thinks it may have a solution.
The vertical farming tech provider gave us a glimpse into the future of aeroponics and an overview of its innovation.
Overcoming challenges in vertical farming
"There's a perception about vertical farms - not everyone is sold on it initially," LettUs Grow's India Langley told FreshFruitPortal.com.
The company's greatest challenge has been public perception. Oftentimes people imagine that their produce comes from local, small scale farms. However, the reality is that most farms are industrial entities - at least in the U.K. - explained Langley.
Thankfully, the image of vertical farming is changing rapidly. Nowadays, aeroponic technology "is recognized more as a business plan rather than a pipe dream," said Langley. Indoor farming has also been getting loads more attention.
So, the task aeroponics tech companies face is "educating people that the food is just as nutritious".
As vertical farming becomes more mainstream, companies like LettUs Grow have seen more demand for their products.
What, then, does the technology do and what will the future of vertical farming look like?
LettUs Grow walked us through its technology's evolution and the benefits it provides to today's agriculture industry.
The idea for LettUs Grow arose when three Masters students at the University of Bristol - Ben Crowther, Jack Farmer and Charlie Guy - developed a table-top aeroponics system. This in-home model worked so well that the group decided to scale it up.
"We started out solely making hardware, so the physical grow beds," Langley said. The company then began crafting software it calls Ostara - which reduces energy costs up to 15%.
Founders saw that traditional aeroponics - which use high pressure - were inefficient. Old methods, which involved firing liquid through a nozzle to create aerosols, lead to clogging and system failures. In order to reduce waste, LettUs Grow sought alternatives.
To do this, it got rid of nozzles entirely. It also developed a new way of making aerosols. These innovations allowed the platform to be scaled up.
"What the three founders thought was that if they were seeing this increase in growth rate in these home-kits and their main goal was to reduce waste, they would do much better taking this technology and applying it to farm-scale applications."
The result was an aeroponics system that reduces food miles, increases food freshness and "helps farmers keep farming".
According to Langley, there is big problem in the U.K. with farmers needing to diversify. Climate change has posed a risk to farmers' income and vertical farming provides a solution, she said.
She specified that "one of the things that indoor growing does is that it protects the crop" and ensures that farmers profit regardless of weather conditions.
Benefits of aeroponics and LettUs Grow's advice
When asked about the benefits of aeroponics versus other indoor farming methods, Langley said "aeroponics has been an improvement" on hydroponics. This is because it gives the plants better access to "free gas exchange".
In short, it provides the "ideal environment" to grow, claimed Langley. Aeroponics "holds plant roots out of water" and sprays plants with an aerosol. Plants in aeroponics grow 70% faster than in hydroponics, she stated.
She went on to explain the strategic benefits and challenges faced by farmers.
"The main thing that holds you back is whether or not there's a business case for it," said Langley.
"We always advise people who are working with us to think really carefully about what they grow."
LettUs Grow suggests farmers plant crops like microgreens, quick growing crops, and tender crops that struggle to be transported. While the company has tested "dozens" of different plants at its two farms, it encourages farmers to plant profitable crops like basil.
Looking forward, the future of the company
LettUs Grow continues growing as demand for its technology increases. While farms all around the world have requested the company's products, it says plans for expansion into Europe - and eventually, worldwide - are in the works for upcoming years.
Currently, it only provides technology to farms in the U.K.
It seems a lot of demand from countries that face resource issues. Places that contact LettUs Grow tend to be dry regions like the Middle East or regions with less sunlight. Additionally, it is gaining popularity in "places where there's not as much land" in more developed countries like the U.S.
Other urban farming schemes like startup Bowery, Gotham Green and Fifth Season have been gaining steam in U.S. cities.
To meet the needs of diverse farms that request its technology, Lettusgrow plans to continue expanding its product line.
In the past, its implementation of Ostara farm management software allowed it to offer a platform that collects data on plants, oversees irrigation and traces crop history.
Most recently, it has partnered with Octopus Energy to create "vertical power software". The new technology platform reduces energy costs for farmers, making operations more efficient.
It does this by changing the price of energy throughout the day and minimizing costs during peak hours. This both saves customers money and incentives farmers to have more sustainable operations, detailed Langley.
Headline photo: LettUs Grow, Jack Wiseall
New Zealand: Vertical Farming Takes Off In Former Wellington Nightclub
The lights are still there, but the moody blues have been replaced by state-of-the-art multi-colored LED grow lights. Shoots Microgreens is a start-up company growing tiny crops mainly for restaurants, but with some of the produce sold through stores such as Moore Wilson
To View The Video, Please Click Here | ROSA WOODS/STUFF
Shoots Microgreens is one of NZ's first vertical farms, housed in a former nightclub.
Once nightclub goers used to bounce off the walls of a Wellington basement, but now it's been transformed into an urban market garden supplying over 80 restaurants.
The lights are still there, but the moody blues have been replaced by state-of-the-art multi coloured LED grow lights.
Shoots Microgreens is a start-up company growing tiny crops mainly for restaurants, but with some of the produce sold through stores such as Moore Wilson.
Microgreens are the intense flavoured first shoots and leaves, and are popular among chefs and bartenders for garnishing meals and cocktails. Many familiar leaves can be used as microgreens, including mustard, basil, rocket and coriander.
Co-owner Matt Keltie started the business last year and it now employs three fulltime workers, although it is yet to make a profit.
While ostensibly a hydroponic-style system, Shoots Microgreens is marketing itself as different to such common garden businesses that have been around for decades.
ROSA WOODS/STUFF
Shoots Microgreens co-owner Matt Keltie has started a business in a former Wellington nightclub.
First, the location: vertical farms have sprung up in a number of major urban centres where the crops are grown close to where people consume them – in high rises, derelict buildings and abandoned warehouses – reducing carbon emissions and maximising unused spaces in cities.
"It's all about using an efficient production area, recycling water, and having a lower carbon footprint."
Secondly, the crops are grown without the need to cart in soil and spray the chemicals that conventional growers use to control animal pests, fungal diseases and weeds.
Thirdly, everything is recycled including the water and growing trays, and deliveries are made using e-bikes.
Keltie started the business in a garage before moving into a smaller space than where he is now. Once he had successfully realised the proof of concept and started to supply restaurants, he had enough confidence to launch the business.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (Eeca) helped with a $12,300 investment in the special LED grow lights under its "Gen Less" campaign.
Ray McGregor delivers microgreens for company Shoots Microgreens on an e-bike. | SUPPLIED
Compared with traditional incandescent hydroponic lamps, the LEDs are cool to the touch, and can be frequency controlled to improve productivity – they grow the shoots around twice as fast as their halogen counterparts.
The LEDs conserve 45 percent more lighting electricity, saving Keltie's business about $25,000 a year on its power bill.
With customisable spectrums of light, the colour of LEDs can be adjusted to optimise the growth of each specific variety of microgreens. As they do not produce heat, they can be stacked at every vertical layer, with no risk of heat damaging plants, as with incandescent hydroponic lamps.
Every day chefs order their microgreens and are delivered or collected.
The non-soil medium the plants are grown in is a trade secret, although Keltie is planning on moving to a hemp-based medium once it becomes available.
Keltie says the taste of the microgreens is governed by the light applied to the plants – the lights are one component but managing and changing alone or all components of the growing system influences the plants.
"When I take two trays of the same plants grown under different numbers of bulbs, some chefs can tell me how they've been grown because there's a subtle difference in flavour. It's all about the mix of water and lights.
"Not only do the LEDs provide the right growing spectrums, they are hellishly efficient in terms of power."
A supplier provides the fertiliser in the right sorts of ratios but Keltie is starting to test which plants take up which nutrients, so he can apply a specific rather than a broad spectrum mix. For example, peas do not require much nitrogen.
ROSA WOODS/STUFF | . Microgreens are used as garnishes or in cocktails.
He admits there has been a lot of trial and error in the start-up period.
"When people say how far down the track are you with your learning, I say about 5 per cent, I've still got a solid 95 percent left to learn. But we hope to start soon in Auckland, once we've ironed out the issues here."
Prices start at $7.25 for a tray of peas, which grow in a little over a week, whereas slower growing red sorrel is priced accordingly higher.
Quotes from famous historical figures are mashed up in a call to arms for climate change campaign Gen Less, encouraging New Zealanders to get more out of life by using less.
Capitol Restaurant owner-chef Tom Hutchison says he buys the microgreens every day.
"It's good that they're doing well, the product is fantastic."
Hutchison is not so much a fan of the very young greens, preferring the more mature, larger leaves.
Eeca technology innovation manager Dinesh Chand worked with Keltie to help get the project off the ground.
"This project not only shows potential for LEDs to reduce electricity use and increase productivity, but is a great example of reducing transport-related emissions. In this case, supplying locally eliminates the equivalent annual carbon emissions of taking 20 cars off the road."
GETTY-IMAGES
In London. microgreens are grown in old air raid shelters beneath some of the capital's busiest streets.
Vertical farming can save up to six times the ground space that conventional farming uses. Keltie said it was not a replacement for traditional New Zealand farming yet, but was part of its future.
Eeca chief executive Andrew Caseley said the authority's intention in running the Gen Less campaign was to mobilise New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use.
Companies that have already joined Gen Less, include Westpac, Countdown, New Zealand Post, Stuff, Wishbone Design, Ecostore, Lewis Road, and Ethique.
"Less" refers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. People could join the campaign by walking their children to school, switching to a more efficient car such as an EV, buying sustainable goods and services, and using LED bulbs, he said.
VIDEO: Vertical Microgreens Farmer Interviews Nick Greens
Hello everyone! Visiting Vertical Farm On The West Side Of Chicago And Getting Interviewed By Shanquell The Grower
Hello everyone! Visiting Vertical Farm On The West Side Of Chicago And Getting Interviewed By Shanquell The Grower.
AeroFarms Announces Retail Launch of Microgreens with Amazing Flavor to Disrupt Leafy Greens Category
AeroFarmsⓇ, leader for indoor vertical farming and locally-grown produce has just introduced a new line of microgreens under their proprietary retail brand Dream GreensⓇ to further expand their mission of nourishing communities with safe, fresh, nutrient-dense, and delicious food that offers Peak Flavor AlwaysⓇ
Newark, NJ; October 14, 2019 -- AeroFarmsⓇ, leader for indoor vertical farming and locally-grown produce has just introduced a new line of microgreens under their proprietary retail brand Dream GreensⓇ to further expand their mission of nourishing communities with safe, fresh, nutrient-dense, and delicious food that offers Peak Flavor AlwaysⓇ.
Dream Greens now has two exciting, flavorful varieties of microgreens -
Micro Super Mix and Micro Spicy Mix, now available at all Whole Foods Market locations in the Northeast as well as online via FreshDirect. This retail debut builds upon the success of AeroFarms microgreens food service program that launched last year.
All Dream Greens microgreens are safely grown indoors in AeroFarms’ state of the art indoor vertical farms in located in New Jersey. Dream Greens are completely pesticide free, and they are ready-to-eat without any need to wash, providing a major benefit to consumers looking for safety and convenience.
Microgreens are the perfect addition to Dream Greens leading packaged baby leafy greens line, and strongly aligns with all the major grocery trends for produce, including local, flavor forward, sustainability, health & wellness, and visual appeal. In addition to being a flavorful & attractive garnish, a big handful of Dream Greens microgreens makes for an elevated salad base, side dish, & center-of-the-plate ingredient. Harvested after a few short days, Dream Greens microgreens provide more nutrient density than their mature green counterparts, so incorporating microgreens is a powerful way to provide a potent boost of vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients.
“We have had tremendous demand and interest in our microgreens, and we are thrilled to be launching at Retail our beautiful, pristine micro mixes that we think will disrupt the leafy greens category with the ultimate in nutrient density and peak favor,” says Marc Oshima, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at AeroFarms.
For more information, contact Marc Oshima, Co-Founder & CMO at Press@AeroFarms.com.Visit us at www.AeroFarms.com and www.DreamGreens.com
Dream Greens Micro Super Mix
Our micro super mix is a tiny & mighty blend of powerhouse greens including hearty red cabbage, sweet kale & juicy pac choi.
Dream Greens Micro Spicy Mix
Our micro spicy mix is a tiny & zesty medley with the perfect dash of heat, including red mustard greens, peppery arugula & juicy pac choi
About AeroFarms and Dream Greens
AeroFarms is on a mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. A global, mission-driven company, AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation and proud to be named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company. AeroFarms’ patented, award winning aeroponic technology provides the perfect conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking indoor vertical farming to a new level of precision and productivity with minimal environmental impact and virtually zero risk. Through its retail brand Dream Greens, you can enjoy locally grown, pesticide-free produce that bursts with flavor and nutrition, all year round.
AeroFarms facilities meet USDA/FDA regulatory requirements and holds certifications in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Non-GMO Project Verified, & OU Kosher.
SOURCE: AeroFarms
Relevant Links: www.AeroFarms.com; www.DreamGreens.com
