Spring 2023 | Meet the Farmer

Small but Mighty

Microgreens offer massive nutritional power.

Vegetables are vital to our diets — no news there. But did you know that some vegetables, while still in their infancy, are especially packed with powerful nutrients, some possessing up to 40 times the micronutrient concentration of their full-grown counterparts?

No wonder consuming microgreens is a hot new trend.

These crunchy, delicate, fast-growing greens add flavor and texture, plus essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to a vast array of dishes. Additionally, an Idaho State University study found that “microgreens are considered a functional food, a food that promotes health and prevents disease.”

One magnificent thing about microgreens? You can find these tasty, nutritional treasures year-round, no matter your locale. Check out these local microgreen farmers, who also have shared some tips for growing them yourself.

Living Greens
In 2017, Zach Cannady and Kasey Crispin purchased the Sierra County land that they turned into Prema Farm. Both had a fervor for farming and spent years dreaming and planning before bringing it to fruition.

They were exposed to the glories of the minuscule living greens by a friend whose pharmacist mother had been learning about the health benefits in fighting diseases such as cancer.

One such study, published by the National Library of Medicine, indicates, “[T]he daily intake of microgreens within a balanced diet could be a preventive nutritional strategy to reduce the burden of chronic degenerative diseases such as colon cancer.”

Health benefits and a short growing period soon pushed Prema Farm into the microgreens business.

“I became inspired by microgreens because of the opportunities they offer in the wintertime; having something that’s fresh with all these beneficial micronutrients … and microbes for your gut, something that you can eat all winter long,” Cannady says. “It just feels too good to be true.”

Nearby Nutrition
Char and Jeff Johannessen own Reno Living Microgreens in Southwest Reno. The couple began growing microgreens indoors hydroponically in 2019, using coconut fiber pads to grow the seeds vertically, sans pesticides, dirt, and chemicals … an exciting prospect to them both.

The Johannessens found that in just two weeks, they can fully grow the greens for sale. Certain varieties thrive better than others, they noted, while each gives dishes a flavor profile all its own.

Leek microgreens provide a dash of onion flavor while broccoli greens always are beloved by customers. Purple radish, cilantro, kale, and daikon are among other varieties grown, all delivered right to your car by the Reno microgreens team when you order ahead by text.

Another business, Tahoe Microgreens, began in 2018 using Mike Rocco’s green thumb and his three children’s assistance. While he does occasionally grow custom orders for the microgreen-curious, his specialty is providing the purple, daikon, and amaranth microgreens Great Full Gardens uses in its dishes at all of its Reno-Sparks locations.

He explains microgreens can be used in practically anything; he’s found, after much family exploration, the possibilities remain limitless.

Bored of salads? Make one with microgreens for something new.

While eggs are a popular palette for most types of greens, other more unusual dishes in which to try them include pho and even ice cream — put amaranth greens on top for a delicious and eye-catching dessert.

To grow your own, Johannesen suggests searching online for ready-made microgreens kits to begin your own process simply. Rocco adds that many YouTube videos can be found to help you get started — a source he used himself early on. He also suggests visiting your local nursery and asking knowledgeable staff for the seeds and items you’ll need to start your own microgreen garden.

A microgreen to complement any dish? Yes indeed! It just takes a little experimentation, plus some trial and error, for nutritionally dense, delicious results.

RESOURCES

Prema Farm
775-513-1518 · Premafarm.com

Reno Living Microgreens
775-223-4645 · Renolivingmicrogreens.com

Tahoe Microgreens
530-536-0344 · Tahoemicrogreens.com