Plants&Gardens It’s a small world…

with when it comes to gardens, but a micro revolution that is taking the culinary world by storm doesn’t demand much room…

Microgreens are exactly what they sound like, and one local man has emerged as a leading producer and supplier in the region, with his micro-herbs business based in North Wales. In less than three years, owner Steve Holland has transformed his passion for micro-growing into a thriving venture, capturing the attention of customers and culinary experts alike. As Fresh & Tasty Microgreens garners nominations for prestigious food and drink awards, we delve into the journey of this blossoming business.

Surprise surge

FT Microgreens sprouted from humble beginnings, originating in Steve’s living room in Old Colwyn. Following an eye injury that redirected his career path, Steve seized the opportunity to explore his love for gardening and healthy eating. Starting on a small scale, growing a few varieties, he began delivering to the local community, later expanding to cafes, restaurants and shops across North Wales.

“We began in lockdown by growing broccoli, radish, peas and sunflowers, and expected to be eating a lot of it ourselves!” recalls Steve, reflecting on the early days. “But news spread and things have developed in a way we could never have imagined. We are staggered by the support we’ve received from the public,” he added.

As FT Microgreens gains recognition – it has been nominated for the upcoming Food Awards Wales – Steve acknowledges the significance of the

Mighty micros

achievement. “It’s been a steep learning curve, but for us to be here and doing well is really heartening, especially to have been nominated for awards and be in partnership with great businesses in this area.”

Looking to the future, sustainability is at the fore of the business’s goals. Steve plans to install solar panels on-site to enhance its eco-friendly practices. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from the Tech Tyfu vertical farming initiative, Steve is excited about the possibilities it brings. “Now we have the new facility and commercial planters, we can scale up in the months ahead,” he says.

More than meets the eye

Steve is quick to debunk the notion that microgreens are mere salad garnish, emphasising their substantial health benefits and culinary versatility. “There are huge health benefits. Plus they last a lot longer, the quality is very high, and there is a lot of scope in terms of how they look, the texture and flavour, which is why so many restaurants and top chefs use them,” he asserts.

With a firm commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, this vision and dedication continue to propel the business towards a thriving future in the culinary landscape of North Wales.

www.freshandtastymicrogreens.wales

So what exactly are micro-herbs or microgreens?

These tiny greens are the delicate and young shoots of various vegetables and herbs that are harvested just a few weeks after germination. Despite their size, microgreens pack a flavourful punch and offer a multitude of health benefits. They come in a wide range of varieties, including kale, arugula (rocket), radish, cilantro (coriander), basil and many more. They are typically harvested when the first true leaves appear, usually seven to 21 days after planting. At this stage, they’ve developed a vibrant colour, tender texture and intense concentration of flavours. What sets microgreens apart is not just their taste but their exceptional nutritional profile. These tiny greens can contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to their mature counterparts. Studies have revealed that some microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients, making them a powerhouse of nutrition in a petite package.