What’s Growing

These are some of the greens we are starting with at the farm. This page will update as we change and add new plants. Stay tuned!

 

Mustard Greens

 

Green Wave – Organic Mustard Green

Flavour: This is the spiciest mustard green with a hot, mustardy flavour and bright green, broad leaves that are scalloped.

Usage: Green Wave mustard greens can be used to add a spicy kick to salads, stir-fries, and sautés. They can also be blended into pesto or used as a peppery addition to sandwiches and wraps.

Fact: Mustard greens, including Green Wave, are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Scarlet Frills Mustard Green

Flavour: With green and red tones, this plant has lobed and ruffled leaves. It provides a robust, peppery flavour.

Usage: Perfect for adding flavour and making

salads look beautiful. Scarlet Frills mustard greens can also be used in stir-fries, spicy dishes such as curries or soups, and as a garnish.

Fact: The intricate, frilly leaves of Scarlet Frills not only add a visual pop to dishes but also contain glucosinolates, compounds that have been studied for their potential cancer-fighting properties.

 

Lettuces

 

Volcana – Red-to-the-heart Mini Gem Lettuce

Flavour: Volcana lettuce offers a mild, sweet flavour with a slightly nutty undertone, enhanced by its crisp leaves.

Usage: Ideal for fresh salads, this lettuce adds a bright colour contrast and crunchy texture. Use it as a bed for grilled meats or seafood.

Fact: Volcana lettuce is known for its unique red colour, which makes it pretty and healthy because of the higher levels of antioxidants.

Dragoon – Organic Lettuce Green Mini Romaine

Flavour: Dragoon lettuce has thick, crisp leaves with a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Usage: This mini romaine is excellent for Caesar salads or as a crunchy addition to sandwiches and wraps. The heads are compact which is also great for grilling or roasting.

Fact: Dragoon lettuce is a good choice for small-space gardening or hydroponic systems where efficient use of space is crucial because it is so compact.

Breen – Organic Lettuce True Mini Bronze-Red Romaine

Flavour: Breen lettuce features a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of bitterness.

Usage: Its small, bronze-red leaves make it great for adding colour to salads or layering in sandwiches. It can also be used as a garnish or a base for various dishes.

Fact: Breen lettuce’s unique bronze-red coloration is due to high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases.

Truchas Lettuce – Dark Red Mini Romaine

Flavour: Truchas lettuce has a mildly sweet flavour with a crisp texture and dark red leaves.

Usage: This lettuce is perfect for fresh salads, adding colour and texture. It can also be used in sandwiches, as a bed for grilled proteins, or as a garnish.

Fact: Truchas lettuce is known for its bolt resistance, meaning it stays tender and flavorful longer in warmer temperatures, extending its growing season.

Cegolaine Lettuce – Bronze-Red Little Gem

Flavour: Cegolaine lettuce offers a sweet, mild flavour with semi-savoy leaves.

Usage: Exceptionally slow-bolting and uniform, it is perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The dense heads can also be used as a base for appetizers or side salads.

Fact: Cegolaine is recognized for its slow-bolting nature, which allows for a longer harvest period and consistent quality in warm climates.

Rosaine – Dark Red Little Gem

Flavour: Rosaine lettuce has a mild, sweet flavour with crisp, semi-savoy leaves.

Usage: Ideal for salads and pairing with other greens like Cegolaine and Newham. It can also be used in sandwiches or as a decorative garnish because of its dark red colour and dense heads.

Fact: Rosaine lettuce pairs beautifully with other colourful greens and is often used by chefs to create visually stunning salads that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the taste.

 

Astro Organic Arugula

Flavour: This arugula has a spicy and nutty flavour with less deeply lobed leaves.

Usage: Perfect for sprinkling over salads, adding to vegetable stir-fries, or using it as a pizza topping. It can also be blended into pesto or used to brighten up sandwiches and wraps.

Fact: Astro arugula is a favourite among chefs for its fast-growing nature and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures, making it available for longer periods throughout the year.

Bellezia Organic Wild Arugula

Flavour: With a more deeply lobed leaf and a spicy flavour, this arugula offers a bold taste.

Usage: Ideal for salads, sandwiches, and garnishing dishes. It can also be used in stir-fries, pasta dishes, or topping for pizzas to add a peppery kick.

Fact: Wild arugula like Bellezia often has a more intense flavour than cultivated varieties, making it a popular choice for gourmet dishes and high-end culinary applications.

Salanova® Green and Red Sweet Crisp – Pelleted Lettuce Seed

Flavour: Salanova® Green Sweet Crisp lettuce delivers a sweet, romaine-like flavour with a crisp texture similar to iceberg lettuce. The medium-dark green leaves are succulent and have a distinct, three-dimensional shape that adds both texture and visual appeal to your dishes.

Usage: This lettuce is ideal for crafting fresh, crunchy salads and adding a satisfying bite to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Its unique leaf shape also makes it a standout choice for garnishing plates or layering in gourmet salads.

Fact: Lettuce has been enjoyed for centuries, but did you know that ancient Egyptians considered it an aphrodisiac and a symbol of fertility? Additionally, Salanova® Green Sweet Crisp is rich in vitamins A and K, making it not just a tasty choice but a nutritious one, supporting bone health and boosting immunity. Whether you’re a chef looking to elevate your dishes or a home cook seeking nutritious options, this lettuce is as healthy as it is delicious!

 

Red and Green Butter Lettuce 

Flavour: Butter lettuce, known for its mild, buttery flavour, has tender, soft leaves that provide a delicate texture and subtle sweetness, making it a versatile addition to many dishes.

Usage: Ideal for wraps, fresh salads, and as a delicate bed for grilled fish or chicken. Butter lettuce’s soft leaves are also perfect for sandwiches, adding a smooth, velvety texture, or for use in gourmet appetizers.

Fact: Butter lettuce has a fascinating history—it was a favorite of European royalty, prized for its tender texture and mild taste. Nutrient-wise, it’s rich in folate, which is essential for cell repair and DNA synthesis, making it a nutritious choice for both chefs and home cooks who want to create healthy and elegant meals.

 

Newham Lettuce

Flavour: Newham lettuce offers a crisp, mild flavour with a refreshing crunch. Its medium-green leaves are tender yet sturdy, making it a versatile option for a variety of dishes.

Usage: Perfect for fresh salads, Newham lettuce also shines in sandwiches and wraps, where its crisp texture adds a satisfying bite. Its uniform, dense heads make it an excellent choice for grilling or even as a base for appetizers.

Fact: Historically, lettuce was revered by the ancient Romans, who believed it had calming properties and would eat it at the end of a meal to induce sleep. Newham lettuce is also packed with vitamin A, which supports eye health, making it a nutritious and delicious option for both professional kitchens and home cooks looking to enhance their dishes.

 

Rosaine Lettuce

Flavour: Rosaine lettuce features a mild, sweet flavour with crisp, semi-savoy leaves. Its deep red hue adds a vibrant touch to any dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Usage: This lettuce is perfect for creating eye-catching salads or adding a splash of colour to sandwiches and wraps. Its dense heads also make it ideal for garnishes or as a base for more elaborate culinary presentations.

Fact: The rich red colour of Rosaine lettuce is due to high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases. Interestingly, lettuce was once considered a medicinal plant in ancient Greece, where it was believed to promote digestion and vitality. Whether you’re a chef aiming for a stunning plate or a home cook looking to boost nutrition, Rosaine lettuce is a flavorful and healthful choice.

 

Cegolaine Lettuce

Flavour: Cegolaine lettuce offers a sweet, mild flavour with semi-savoy leaves that provide a pleasing, tender texture. The bronze-red tint adds a touch of elegance to any dish.

Usage: Ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps, Cegolaine lettuce’s dense, uniform heads also make it perfect for use as a base for appetizers or side salads. Its slow-bolting nature ensures consistent quality throughout the growing season.

Fact: Cegolaine’s semi-savoy leaves are not just beautiful; they are also packed with vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting. Historically, lettuce has been cultivated for over 4,500 years, with the ancient Egyptians using it not only as a food source but also for its supposed fertility-boosting properties. Today, Cegolaine continues that legacy, offering both health benefits and culinary versatility, making it a favourite among chefs and home gardeners alike.

 

 

Herbs

 

Mia Prospera Lettuce

Flavour: Mia Prospera lettuce boasts a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a crisp texture. Its medium-green leaves are tender yet robust, making it a versatile option for various culinary applications.

Usage: This lettuce is excellent for fresh, vibrant salads and adds a delightful crunch to sandwiches and wraps. Its uniform, dense heads make it a great choice for grilling or as a bed for appetizers and entrees.

Fact: Mia Prospera lettuce is not just delicious; it’s also rich in folate, an essential nutrient that supports cell growth and heart health. Interestingly, lettuce was once revered by the ancient Romans, who believed it had calming effects and would consume it at the end of a meal to aid in digestion and induce sleep. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, Mia Prospera lettuce is a nutritious and flavourful addition to any kitchen.

 

Everleaf Thai Towers Basil

Flavour: Everleaf Thai Towers basil features a robust, sweet, and slightly spicy flavour with hints of anise and clove, characteristic of traditional Thai basil. Its aromatic leaves add a depth of flavour to both cooked and raw dishes.

Usage: This basil is ideal for Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and soups. The tall, upright growth of Everleaf Thai Towers makes it easy to harvest, and its leaves are perfect for garnishing dishes, infusing oils, or adding to salads. It’s also excellent for pesto or as a flavour enhancer in marinades and sauces.

 

Santo Cilantro

Flavour: Santo cilantro is known for its bright, citrusy flavour with a hint of peppery spice. The vibrant green leaves offer a fresh, aromatic quality that enhances a wide variety of dishes.

Usage: Perfect for garnishing and adding a burst of flavour to salsas, salads, and soups. Santo cilantro is also ideal for making pesto, chutneys, or as a finishing touch to Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes.

Fact: Cilantro has a fascinating history—it was used in ancient Egypt for its medicinal properties and was even found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Santo cilantro is rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, which supports bone health. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this cilantro variety adds a fresh, vibrant flavour that elevates any dish.

 

Coming Soon

 

Crimson Misuzu’ (Black Strawberry):

Flavour: Crimson Misuzu strawberries are known for their rich, deep flavor with a unique aroma. These black strawberries offer a taste that is more intense and complex than traditional red varieties, making them a gourmet choice.

Aroma: The aroma of Crimson Misuzu is equally rich, complementing its bold flavor and adding to the overall sensory experience.

Usage: Ideal for fresh eating, these strawberries are also excellent for high-end desserts and culinary creations where their unique flavor and color can stand out.

Fact: The striking color of Crimson Misuzu, combined with its rich flavor, makes it a popular choice in luxury fruit markets, particularly in Japan, where it is considered a delicacy.

Sakura Ichigo’ (Cherry Strawberry):

Flavour: Sakura Ichigo strawberries offer a rich flavor reminiscent of both strawberries and cherries, blending the sweetness of strawberries with a subtle cherry-like tang.

Aroma: These strawberries are also noted for their strong, pleasant aroma, which enhances their appeal both in taste and presentation.

Usage: Perfect for fresh consumption, Sakura Ichigo strawberries can also be used in desserts, jams, or as a luxurious garnish for special dishes.

Fact: The name “Sakura Ichigo” reflects the strawberry’s cherry-like qualities, making it a sought-after variety for those looking for a unique twist on traditional strawberry flavor.

Tenshi No Mi’ (Fruit of the Angels):

Flavour: Tenshi No Mi strawberries are celebrated for their exceptionally rich and sweet flavor, often described as heavenly. Their taste is delicate yet full, making them a favorite among strawberry enthusiasts.

Aroma: The aroma is as enticing as the flavor, with a sweet, fragrant scent that complements the berry’s rich taste.

Usage: These strawberries are ideal for enjoying fresh, where their flavor can be fully appreciated. They also work well in desserts that highlight their sweetness.

Fact: The name “Tenshi No Mi,” which translates to “Fruit of the Angels,” reflects the strawberry’s reputation for having a divine flavor and aroma, elevating it to a status of luxury in the fruit world.

Momo Ichigo’ (Peach Strawberry):

Flavour: Momo Ichigo strawberries are known for their rich flavor that has a subtle hint of peach, blending the sweetness of strawberries with a delicate peachy note.

Aroma: The aroma of Momo Ichigo is fragrant and sweet, enhancing the overall sensory experience with its peach-strawberry blend.

Usage: These strawberries are perfect for fresh eating, where their unique flavor can be savored. They are also great in desserts that benefit from their dual fruity taste.

Fact: The “Momo” in Momo Ichigo refers to the peach-like flavor profile of these strawberries, making them a unique variety that stands out in both taste and aroma.

Sweet Mary XXL’:

Flavour: Sweet Mary XXL strawberries are exceptionally sweet and delicious, with a flavor that is intense and satisfying. These berries are as large as a standard tomato, making them a standout in both size and taste.

Aroma: The aroma is strong and sweet, matching the berry’s impressive size and flavor, making them a sensory delight.

Usage: Ideal for fresh consumption due to their size and sweetness, these strawberries are also perfect for making a statement in fruit platters, desserts, and even as a substitute for tomatoes in certain dishes.

Fact: The Sweet Mary XXL strawberries are remarkable for their size, with fruits reaching 40-50g, making them among the largest strawberries available. Their combination of size, sweetness, and aroma makes them a favorite for those looking for an impressive and tasty fruit.

Win-Win Choi (Pak Choi/Bok Choy):

Flavour: Win-Win Choi offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor with crisp, juicy stems and tender, leafy greens. This balanced taste makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for everything from stir-fries to salads.

Texture: The stems are crunchy and refreshing, while the leaves are soft and delicate, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

Usage: Win-Win Choi shines in stir-fries, soups, and salads. It can be quickly sautéed with garlic and soy sauce, added to broths for a rich flavor, or used raw in salads for a fresh, crunchy element.

Fact: Win-Win Choi is more than just a modern kitchen favorite—its roots trace back to ancient China, where Pak Choi (or Bok Choy) has been cultivated for thousands of years. Historically, Pak Choi was revered for its health benefits and was a staple in Chinese medicine.