22 | A passion for growing organic microgreens Little Stem Microgreens are grown naturally under the sun in a green-house on a plot of land in South New Brighton. Sue Russell Often life’s twists, turns and chance opportunities create moments where your journey takes on a new direction – this experience is just what happened to two architects from the Czech Republic who discovered a passion for growing organic microgreens in Christchurch nearly six years ago. Natalie Pohlova explains how the story began, when partner Lukas Cimprich worked in an existing microgreen business as a ‘side hustle’. “He developed the skills and started to understand how the quality of the environment impacted the quality of microgreens grown. Because he enjoyed the whole process, growing hands-on things that he could literally see growing before his eyes, so when the opportunity came to set up our own business, we jumped at the chance.” When she looks back at that time, Natalie acknowledges there was already a strong desire to establish their own business and things just seemed to fall into place. “I have to acknowledge though that it’s been quite the journey, with lots of hard work invested in it to where we are today.” Little Stem Microgreens are grown naturally under the sun in a green-house on a plot of land in South New Brighton and the company’s core activity is supplying live trays of microgreens, across a range of varieties to chefs in the region. What makes these live trays so popular with chefs if that they can just harvest the small quantities from the tray they need, while the microgreens keep growing. “You can’t get much fresher than that and the colours and shapes of microgreens make them very appealing in a dish.” Each week, a fresh tray is delivered to order, taking the worry away from busy chefs at the daily grind, something Natalie says she knows they really appreciate. Demand has spread through word-of-mouth and Natalie says an exciting new development, to bring the purchase of their microgreens to the public, is being actively pursued. “That’s where we want to direct the business in the future, opening it up to individuals to order our trays. Already customers can purchase their own growing kit, complete with our organic earth to grow their own at home.” Natalie’s keen to push the message around how microgreens are ‘super foods’, a fact she says isn’t widely understood. RURAL PEOPLE » Little Stems Micro Greens Commercial and Lifestyle Greenhouses Transform your backyard into a grower’s paradise with our exceptional range of residential and lifestyle greenhouses (Home Gardeners). A haven for hobby gardeners, our backyard greenhouses are suitable whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to develop a green thumb. Our well-designed structures provide the perfect environment for nurturing plants, enabling you to create a thriving home garden that produces year-round. Proudly Supporting Little Stems Micro Greens Contact Us 0508 HARFORD (427 367) sales@harfords.com www.harfords.com Pure Hydroponics specialises in helping new and existing commercial hydroponic growers become market leaders through proven technology, quality consumables, and expert support. GROW SMARTER WITH PURE HYDROPONICS paul@purehydroponics.com www.purehydroponics.com “They’re packed with vitamins and carry a higher nutritional loading than larger vegetables. Some microgreens are up to 40 times the food value of a mature plant.” She also points out the difference between microgreens and sprouts, with the former loaded with chlorophyll, given the environment they are grown in. “Microgreens also have the important ability to balance alkaline and acidic levels in your blood.” The grow-at-home kits are simple to use. They come with a compostible container and dried requiring just water to begin the growing process. A seed bag is included and once these have been sprinkled, the lid is closed, to promote germination. “Microgreens like to germinate in the dark but once they’re established they love a warm bright space to grow, perfect for the windowsill.” Little Stem Microgreens’ range extends across wide array of varieties, from Pea Fiji Feather, China Rose Radish, Mizuna, Rocket to Fennel Sweet Leaf and Mustard Giant Red. And there’s a strong sustainability practice throughout the products life-cycle, as Natalie explains. The company operates a circular delivery system for live microgreen trays, designed to reduce single-use plastic in professional kitchens. Microgreens are grown naturally in soil using sunlight, which not only enhances their flavour and nutritional value but also extends their shelf life after harvest. Fresh trays are delivered twice a week where previously harvested trays are collected to be washed. “The old soil is composted and the systems then begins all over again. It’s a simple, sustainable cycle that supports both quality produce and environmental responsibility.” “We’ve worked very hard to where we are today. Growing microgreens is a year-round day in day out activity for us. It’s like we’re growing millions of babies that each need careful nurturing.” “Already customers can purchase their own growing kit, complete with our organic earth to grow their own at home.”
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