Most Wright County farmers have large tractors, combines, and other good-sized implements that roll over hundreds, if not thousands, of acres.
Enter into the scape, “Little Leafy Greens, Micro Farms” in Clarion. Emphasis on the word ‘micro’. Plants are grown indoors on trays under lights. From seed to harvest is 10–14 days and is done by hand.
“Micro greens are growing in popularity in large cities,” said farmer Jesse Basinger. “We are try to bring the quality food value of the micro greens to area.”
The family was introduced to the tiny plants a bit over a year ago. “I was recovering from cancer and dealing with side effects of chemotherapy,” said Janelle Basinger, Jesse’s mother.
Jesse began to do much research on the benefits of the greens. “I learned how beneficial and nutritious the plants were,” he said.
Janelle said, “It took about two weeks before I started feeling better. My doctor said, yes, it was one of the most beneficial things I could do” As the twosome was learning what the benefits of the micro greens were, they wanted to help other people know what they were learning.
Currently, they are producing broccoli, radishes, sunflowers, kale, red acre cabbage and kohlrabi. Items can be purchased in two-ounce and four-ounce containers. Or in sampler packs of several kinds of greens boxed together. “Our Ultimate Wellness Box has three kinds of greens in it,” said Jesse. Broccoli, kale, red acre cabbage. All of them are said to fight cancer.
The two harvest 50–60 trays weekly. Since the work is all done by hand, it takes all day to complete the task.
Right now the greens can be purchased at their store–which they call vertical farming–121–1st Avenue N.E. in Clarion. Business hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Items are also sold at Brother’s Market and weekly at Clarion’s Farmer’s Market. Fuel is now adding micro greens to the customers they serve. “We eat them at home rather than eating lettuce,” said Janelle.
“We continue to look at ways to expand our marketing,” said Jesse. “We would like to get up to 100 trays per week. They are just so good for lots of things……diabetes, inflammation of joints. Cancer doctors are starting to recommend it. Broccoli has the compound sulforaphane in it.”
Studies have found that sulforaphane reduces inflammation. This suggests that the compound can help manage conditions like arthritis.
Janelle said, “I am through my cancer treatments and doing well. I just feel good”
