Growing trends
Hyperlocal urban farmers at Fresh Forage foodsources
By Kelsey Schaefer
Microgreens are popping up onto the local food scene to show that size isn’ t everything. Thanks to the dynamic duo at Fresh Forage, chefs and connoisseurs are experimenting with the diminutive plants, and their ultra ecological growing method, proving them to be much more than dainty garnishes.
When Joel Weber and Jeff Penniston joined forces to create their own local grow room, they weren’ t aware of how much the business itself would flourish.
The microgreen industry is quite literally sprouting due to the tiny plants’ copious benefits. Microgreens pack 40 % more nutrients than mature plants and the small but mighty superfoods also boast more intense flavours than their developed counterparts, making them ideal for chefs and home cooks alike.
“ A good chef will utilize microgreens for garnishes,” said Weber.“ A great chef will use them to flavour.”
With a background in farming and an education in engineering, Weber wanted to pursue a career that could combine both. After
Jeff Penniston, Joel Weber and Leanne Kisil
chatting with Penniston, who had experience in aquaponics, the pair decided to pursue a business that Winnipeg wasn’ t yet offering.
The miniature greens industry isn’ t the only one that the duo is trailblazing. Fresh Forage happens to also be Winnipeg’ s first urban vertical farming business, a practice that involves growing stacked layers of vegetation using aeroponic and hydroponic methods; and one that’ s expected to grow, pun intended, exceptionally over upcoming decades.
Fresh Forage aims to provide affordable quality produce year round. Indoor growing practices omit the risk of damaging elements such as climate change, pesticides or insects. However, replicating Mother Nature is not an easy task. In addition to ensuring that lighting and temperature are always optimal, farmers must also constantly monitor airflow, humidity levels, beneficial bacteria and molds.
“ We’ re coining ourselves as better than organic,” said Penniston.“ You can also rest assured that prices won’ t fluctuate seasonally because indoor plants aren’ t affected by exterior temperatures.”
Fresh Forage products can currently be found across Winnipeg farmers markets, but access will soon become even easier. The duo has added a third companion to their unit, nutrition enthusiast Leanne Kisil, who will be involved in the development of the new location on Lagimodière Boulevard.
It’ s often said that less is more, a phrase that certainly holds true for these tiny plants.
For more information on Fresh Forage products, visit freshforage. ca
Photography: Courtesy of Fresh Forage
12 ciao! / jun / jul / two thousand eighteen