Several years ago, one evening, I learned about microgreens at dinner in a restaurant. That’s how I started reading, writing, growing, and testing microgreens. A few weeks ago, I went to a local restaurant/bar. When my veggie burger arrived, it was covered with broccoli microgreens. The waitstaff told me the restaurant partnered with local home microgreens farmers. That got me thinking and the impetus for this article.
Restaurants are terrific places to use microgreens. More nutritious than the mature plant, microgreens are considered a superfood, perfect for restaurants in the healthy food sector. Most microgreens are ready in 8 to 14 days. They also last about 5-7 days in the fridge. This makes for a promising sustainable partnership between restaurants and local microgreens farms for a steady diet of fresh produce.
Salads, soups, sandwiches, pizza, spaghetti, and other foods can all benefit from the color and flavor that microgreens add. These days, they are a common element in many restaurant menus. Their popularity has caused their demand to outpace their supply. As a result, many restaurants are turning to neighborhood businesses and home indoor growers to satisfy the demand for microgreens.
In this post, I look at the growing relationship between restaurants and local microgreens growers and how you can build your business with restaurants.
QUICK READS
- Why are partnerships between restaurants and local microgreens farms important?
- Why Microgreens Farming is a Sustainable Agricultural Practice
- Exploring the State of Restaurant-Farm Partnerships
- The Benefits of Local Food Systems
- The Challenges of Building Sustainable Restaurant-Microgreens Farm Relationships
- Successful Restaurant-Microgreens Farm Partnerships: Case Studies
- Final Thoughts About Local Microgreens Farm and Restaurants
- References
Why are partnerships between restaurants and local microgreens farms important?
Partnerships between restaurants and local microgreens farms have become increasingly important in recent years. This is due to several factors, such as the rising demand for fresh, organic produce, the desire for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and the need for community support and collaboration.
Microgreens are also highly sustainable, requiring little water and space to grow, making them ideal for urban farming.
One of the main benefits of partnerships between restaurants and microgreens farms is the assurance of fresh, locally sourced produce. Many restaurants rely on commercial produce, often shipped from distant locations, and may not be as fresh or flavorful as locally grown produce. By partnering with local microgreens farms, restaurants can ensure their menu items are fresh, flavorful, and of the highest quality.
Another benefit of these partnerships is the support they provide for local communities. As more restaurants choose to source their produce from local farms, they help to foster relationships between consumers, producers, and the surrounding community. By supporting local farmers, restaurants can help to create a more sustainable and prosperous food system that benefits everyone involved.
Partnerships between restaurants and microgreens farms are also beneficial for the environment. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of sustainable agriculture, many are choosing to support restaurants that source their produce from local, environmentally friendly farms. By working together, local restaurants and microgreens farms can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with commercial farming and transportation. This helps to create a more sustainable food system that benefits the planet and future generations.
Why Microgreens Farming is a Sustainable Agricultural Practice
Microgreens require less land, water, and energy than traditional crops. They can be grown year-round, reducing the need for seasonal crop rotation and increasing the overall productivity of the land. The short growth cycle of microgreens means that farmers can cultivate multiple crops in one year, increasing the yields and income they earn from a single plot of greenhouse space.
Microgreens can be grown in urban areas, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and storing fresh produce for city dwellers. They provide high-density nutrition, making them an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are often used in health food products.
Microgreens come in a variety of colors and flavors that complement any meal. They are easy to grow and can be grown year-round. Microgreens are used in many recipes, and we are beginning to see them in more and more restaurant menus. They have a high nutritional value and are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins K, C, and A, fiber, zinc, folate, calcium, potassium, and iron. Read my article, The Beginner’s Nutritional Guide to Incredible Microgreens.
Microgreens are highly adaptable to different growing conditions, allowing farmers to work with local varieties and crops suited to their soil and climate.
Brussels sprouts, corn, celery, cucumber, beets, fenugreek, carrot, mint, spinach, basil, sunflower, pea, broccoli, and mustards are among the popular microgreens found in restaurants.
By promoting biodiversity and reducing the use of chemicals and fertilizers, microgreens farming supports sustainable, healthy agricultural practices that benefit microgreens farmers, restauranteurs, and consumers.
Check out my Microgreens Growers Secrets Ebook Sale to start growing nutritious microgreens.
Exploring the State of Restaurant-Farm Partnerships
There has been a growing trend of restaurants forming partnerships with local microgreens farms in recent years. These collaborations have become a powerful force in the food industry, affecting everything from the quality of ingredients used to the sustainability of farming practices. By working together, restaurants and farms can create a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits everyone involved.
So what exactly do these partnerships look like?
The specifics can vary depending on the location and the partners’ goals. Still, generally speaking, a restaurant-microgreens farm partnership involves one or more restaurants committing to using locally sourced ingredients in their menus. This means that rather than importing microgreens from far-flung locations (which can be expensive and environmentally unsustainable), the restaurant sources everything it needs from nearby microgreens farms.
This can be a game-changer for small-scale farmers struggling to find product buyers. By connecting with local restaurants, microgreens farmers can secure a steady income stream and build long-term business relationships. In some cases, restaurants and microgreens farms might work together to create custom menus or dishes that showcase the unique qualities of the microgreens farm’s crops. This can help to educate diners about the value of supporting local agriculture and encourage them to make more sustainable food choices.
Of course, one of the critical benefits of restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships is the impact they can have on the quality of the food being served. By using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, restaurants can create dishes bursting with flavor and nutritional value. This is a win-win for restaurants and diners alike. It allows chefs to stand out from their competitors while satisfying the growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable dining options.
Another essential factor is these partnerships’ role in promoting sustainable agriculture. By working with local microgreens farmers, restaurants can encourage good agricultural practices (GAP) like water and soil conservation and reduced pesticide use. This can help protect the soil’s health and the surrounding ecosystem and reduce the carbon footprint of transporting food long distances.
So, what does the current state of restaurant-farm partnerships look like?
According to some recent reports, this trend is only continuing to grow. In a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 75% of all restaurants were sourcing at least some of their ingredients locally. This represents a significant increase from just a few years earlier when the number was closer to 60%.
At the same time, the rise of online marketplaces and mobile delivery services is making it easier than ever for restaurants to connect with nearby farms. Platforms like Grazecart, FarmDrop, and Harvie allow farmers to sell directly to restaurants and consumers. At the same time, companies like GrubMarket and FreshDirect offer streamlined distribution networks that can help smaller farms reach larger markets.
Despite these challenges, the future of restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships looks bright. With consumers increasingly interested in sustainability and the quality of their food, there is a growing demand for restaurants to adopt more eco-friendly and locally focused-practices. At the same time, microgreens farmers are eager to find new markets for their products and connect with businesses that share their values.
By working together, restaurants and local microgreens farms can build thriving ecosystems that benefit everyone involved.
The Benefits of Local Food Systems
As the global population grows, so does the need for sustainable agriculture and food systems. One solution to this problem is the development of local food systems, where microgreens farmers and restaurants build relationships that support ecological sustainability and economic viability.
Local food systems are an emerging trend in the food industry, offering numerous benefits over traditional food systems. In a local food system, microgreens farmers grow fresh produce sold directly to consumers through farmers’ markets or restaurant partnerships. This reduces the need for long-haul shipping, which reduces the carbon footprint of food production and distribution.
Moreover, the local food system creates an economic stimulus for the local community. It supports small farmers and local businesses instead of supporting large corporations that value profit over local communities. Increasing the demand for fresh and locally grown produce creates opportunities for small farmers to grow their businesses, provide new jobs, and develop relationships with local communities.
Local food systems also provide healthier; fresher produce like microgreens that does not require preservatives and other chemicals to keep it fresh during transportation. Fresher produce is more nutrient-dense, encourages healthier eating choices, and reduces illnesses and health issues related to poor nutrition.
The Challenges of Building Sustainable Restaurant-Microgreens Farm Relationships
The restaurant industry is an essential component of the economy and a significant contributor to the food industry. As demand for sustainable, local, and organic produce grows, restaurants and microgreens farmers are exploring new ways to establish solid and lasting partnerships.
Farm-to-table, farm-to-fork, and other sustainable food-sourcing practices have become popular among consumers. More and more restaurants are partnering with local farmers to provide their customers with fresh, healthy, and sustainable meals.
Fulfilling a solid relationship between restaurants and farmers in the food industry is vital for success. However, building a partnership between these two groups can be challenging, considering they have different needs and goals.
For restaurants, it’s all about providing fresh and high-quality ingredients to their customers. At the same time, local microgreens farmers focus on producing the best crops and yields.
While local food has immense benefits, building sustainable restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships is challenging. The challenges include:
Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of every successful partnership. In local food systems, microgreens farmers and restaurants must communicate regularly to ensure quality products, discuss delivery schedules, and make necessary adjustments. For these partnerships to work, understanding each others’ needs and preferences is crucial. Microgreens farmers must understand the restaurants’ menus and customer base, while chefs must understand farming cycles and produce availability.
Scale
Scaling up microgreens farm-to-restaurant relationships can be challenging because small microgreens farmers often don’t have the resources and capacity to produce large enough quantities to meet the demands of various restaurants. Microgreens farmers need to meet their own financial goals while providing for restaurateurs. Therefore, while farmers must produce enough produce, restaurateurs must also buy enough produce to ensure that microgreens farmers can be profitable and sustainable, meeting the demands of seasonal availability.
Work Together
Building a lasting partnership between restaurants and microgreens farmers goes beyond buying and selling produce. Both parties must be willing to work together to ensure mutual success. Restaurant owners can visit the farm, meet the farmers, and understand their challenges. This way, they can make necessary adjustments and accommodate changes to the microgreens farm supply.
Similarly, microgreens farmers can learn more about restaurants’ specific requirements. They can provide suggestions and feedback, such as cooking tips relevant to the products provided, to help enhance the experience for restaurant patrons.
Logistics
Logistics is another major challenge with microgreens farm-to-restaurant partnerships. Unlike a typical supplier, farmers don’t have transportation resources. At the same time, restaurants depend on suppliers to deliver high-quality produce precisely when needed. This means that microgreens farmers must have robust systems for scheduling deliveries, managing inventory, and communicating with chefs to coordinate and keep up with supply and demand.
Food Safety
Food safety is a critical issue in the food industry and is especially important in local food systems. Read my article, “Stay Legal and Profitable: Understanding Microgreens Sales License and Permits.”
The potential for foodborne illnesses is a concern, especially regarding fresh produce. Microgreens farmers can ensure high food safety by practicing good hygiene and sanitation, complying with food safety regulations, and using safe and tested inputs. Restaurants, on their part, can support food safety by handling fresh produce with care, ensuring the product is fresh, and properly storing and preparing the product.
Price
And there is also the price issue, as locally sourced ingredients can occasionally carry higher costs than imported goods. This requires value selling on the part of microgreens farmers. The value lies in fresher, faster, more nutrient-rich local produce.
Despite the challenges, many successful farm-to-restaurant partnerships exist. To build a successful farm-to-restaurant relationship, both parties must be willing to build authentic relationships, learn from each other, and support one another to achieve long-term sustainability. Additionally, it is essential to have transparency and establish protocols for ordering delivery and product quality.
Successful Restaurant-Microgreens Farm Partnerships: Case Studies
In recent years, the demand for locally grown produce has increased significantly, and the interest in microgreens has grown exponentially.
Recognizing this trend, many restaurants have partnered with local microgreen farmers to ensure their customers get the freshest and most flavorful produce available. This article will look at some recent examples of successful restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships.
Lazy Bear, San Francisco
Lazy Bear is a Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant specializing in a communal dining experience. They partnered with a local microgreens farm, Happy Boy Farms, to source their fresh produce. Happy Boy Farms is a certified organic farm that uses sustainable farming practices to grow various microgreens.
The partnership has allowed Lazy Bear to incorporate fresh microgreens into their unique and inventive dishes. The microgreens are grown specifically for the restaurant, and the chefs have input on what and how it is grown. The partnership has allowed for a stronger connection between the restaurant and the farm, and the customers can taste the difference in the food.
Mirabel, Los Angeles
Mirabel is a popular farm-to-table restaurant in Los Angeles that sources its microgreens from a local farm, Moonshot Farms. Moonshot Farms is a small family-owned farm that grows microgreens and edible flowers.
The partnership between Mirabel and Moonshot Farms has allowed for a direct connection between the farm and the restaurant. The chefs can work with the farmers to customize their orders and ensure the freshest produce is used in their dishes. The partnership has allowed the restaurant to showcase unique and flavorful microgreens in their dishes, and customers appreciate the freshness and quality of their food.
The Perennial, San Francisco
The Perennial is an upscale restaurant in San Francisco focusing on sustainable and environmentally conscious food production. They partnered with a local microgreens farm, Little City Gardens, to source their fresh produce. Little City Gardens is a small urban farm that grows microgreens and other specialty crops.
The partnership between The Perennial and Little City Gardens has allowed for a direct connection between the farm and the restaurant. The chefs can work with the farmers to ensure the freshest and most sustainable produce is used in their dishes. The partnership has allowed the restaurant to showcase unique and flavorful microgreens in their dishes, and customers appreciate the restaurant’s sustainable practices and food quality.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Livingston County, New York
Like that of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Livingston County, New York, local microgreen farms supply local restaurants with various microgreens. Their products include various kinds like arugula (rocket), red mustard, and mizuna.
This allows local restaurants to offer diners a variety of dishes and products that people will enjoy. The restaurant provides nutritious microgreens to diners who enjoy the dishes. Many consumers consider microgreens as a healthy form of eating. Many are looking for a healthy option, and microgreens are an excellent way to get what they want.
The Red Fern Restaurant in Ithaca, New York
The Red Fern partnered with John Hummel of West Middleton, New York. Together they launched a new project called “Farm to Fork.” This new project was intended to provide locally grown food and products to customers at the Red Fern Restaurant. To do this, they are growing microgreens varieties at the farm that will be picked and delivered to the restaurant for use in their recipes.
The Red Fern Restaurant in Ithaca, New York, has been an example for other restaurants to follow in their decision to include microgreens as an ingredient in their food items.
Many other New York, Oregon, and Iowa restaurants have partnered with local microgreen farms to provide diners with various products.
The partnerships between restaurants and local microgreen farms ensure a steady supply to meet the demand of diners who want to eat healthy and experience microgreens. It also ensures that the microgreen farmers get the support they need to continue farming microgreens and supply the restaurant industry.
If you are new to microgreens farming, you can learn more about what it takes to be a microgreens farmer and produce microgreens that are fit for growing on a small scale.
Check out my Microgreens Growers Secrets Ebook Sale to start growing nutritious microgreens.
These successful restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships have allowed for a direct connection between the microgreens farm and the restaurant, resulting in a fresher and more sustainable produce in the dishes served. The partnerships have allowed for a stronger connection between the chefs and the microgreens farmers, resulting in mutual respect for their craft. Customers appreciate the quality and uniqueness of their dishes, and the partnerships have helped spur a trend towards more locally sourced and sustainable food production.
Final Thoughts About Local Microgreens Farm and Restaurants
Sustainable restaurant-farm partnerships are the way forward for several reasons.
Through partnerships with local microgreen farms, restaurants gain the benefits of growing their business and getting the microgreens they need for their customers. Local microgreen farmers gain access to customers looking to purchase microgreens that are “fresh off the farm” and create a more stable market to sell their produce.
These partnerships help to promote local agriculture and provide a more direct route for consumers to access fresh, locally-grown produce. It also fosters a greater sense of community, as consumers can connect with the people who grow their food and understand the challenges they face.
These partnerships also allow for greater control over the sourcing and quality of ingredients, which can improve the taste and nutritional value of the food served in restaurants. This can help create more vibrant and diverse menus and support the growth of small-scale and specialty producers.
Finally, sustainable restaurant-microgreens farm partnerships are better for the environment. They minimize the distance food travels to reach consumers. This helps to reduce carbon emissions and promotes more sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and regenerative agriculture.
While there are certainly challenges to creating and maintaining these partnerships, the benefits are clear. By prioritizing sustainability and seeking out local, high-quality ingredients, restaurants can help to promote a more interconnected and resilient food system. As consumers become more aware of the impact of their food choices, these partnerships will become increasingly important in driving change and promoting a better food future.
Restaurants-Local Microgreens Farmers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What do restaurants do with microgreens?
A. Chefs also use microgreens to balance other foods’ flavor, texture, and color. They can improve a dish’s taste while also enhancing its look. They can be used to lighten up food that is too dark or has a strong flavor.
Q. Is there a high demand for microgreens?
A. The microgreens market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11% from 2022 to 2030, reaching an expected value of USD 3,695 million.
Q. Is growing microgreens still profitable today?
A. Microgreens are one of the most profitable crops you can grow in your backyard or garden. They are the perfect crop for small farms and urban gardeners because they can be cultivated in a small area and can be sold for a good price.
Q. What are the cons of a microgreen business?
A. Insurance premium costs could be substantial due to the significant liability associated with operating a microgreens-producing firm. Your equipment may need costly repairs as it ages breaks down, or is damaged in some other way.
Q. Can I sell microgreens on Amazon?
A. The fact that you can sell microgreens anywhere means you don’t have to worry about picking the greatest internet selling strategy. Run an eCommerce store on your website, on well-known social media networks, or via online stores like Amazon or eBay.
Q. Is the microgreen market saturated?
A. Because it is such a popular crop, there are many people trying to establish the relationships necessary to start a microgreen enterprise, which can lead to a saturated market. Accordingly, the chef who is being offered microgreens may have already been approached by a dozen other farmers, depending on the locale.
Q. How much does it cost to start a microgreens business?
A. Done right, including the right setup, tools, and licenses, you can start a microgreens business with a capital investment of between $1,800 and $2,500, which is about 100 trays worth of microgreens at $20-$30 per tray (gross profit).
Q. Do I need a license to sell microgreens?
A. No, you don’t need a license if you’re selling at charitable events or to friends and family. You will need a license to sell commercially, but the requirements for getting one can vary from state to state, by location, and you may also need permits. Read my article, “Stay Legal and Profitable: Understanding Microgreens Sales Licenses and Permits, ” for more detailed information.
References
Miston, J. (2018). Farmers who grow restaurant crops find themselves in an impossible … Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://financialpost.com/commodities/agriculture/farmers-who-grow-restaurant-crops-find-themselves-in-an-impossible-position-as-demand-disappears-overnight
Mordor intelligence. (n.d.). United States microgreens market: 2022 – 27: Industry share, size, growth – mordor intelligence. United States Microgreens Market | 2022 – 27 | Industry Share, Size, Growth – Mordor Intelligence. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-microgreens-market
Petre, A. (2018, March 6). Microgreens: Health benefits, nutrition and how to grow them. Healthline. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/microgreens
ReportLinker. (2020, July 2). United States microgreens market – growth, trends, and forecast (2020-2025). GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/07/02/2057048/0/en/United-States-Microgreens-Market-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast-2020-2025.html
Rewards Network. (2021, March 24). How farmers and restaurants can work together. Rewards Network. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.rewardsnetwork.com/blog/perks-partnership-farmers-restaurants-can-work-together/
Stephens, J. (2021, October 5). Total gardener. – Total Gardener. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://totalgardener.com/why-restaurants-use-microgreens/
