“We are an ultra-local company that grows and sells micro-greens within the perimeters of Vancouver, BC,” says Aaron Quesnel with Sky Harvest. Ultra-local refers to delivery of the product by bicycle. “We deliver all our products on the same day they’re cut, so they are as fresh as can be,” Quesnel added. Under fluorescent light, 13 different varieties of micro-greens are grown, including basil, arugula, kale, mustard, radish, cilantro and sorrel. Depending on the variety, the growth period ranges from seven to thirty days.
Photo credit:Ben West
Dense flavor profile
The majority of the company’s customers are high-end restaurants. “Top chefs love our product,” said Quesnel. First of all, micro-greens are popular because of their unique visual appearance. They also add color to any plate and they have a very dense flavor profile. “One leaf of mustard puts your mouth on fire,” he said. “The nutrient density is impressive. A few academic studies have been done and one study shows that micro-radish contains 40 times more vitamin E than its full-grown counterpart.”
Photo credit: Joey Armstrong
About Sky Harvest
Sky Harvest started out in 2011 in a warehouse in East Vancouver. The company grows micro-greens and shoots on vertical shelves in a 2,100 ft² operation. Production is according to organic principles as Sky Harvest uses local organic soils as well as organic seeds.
For more information:
Aaron Quesnel
Sky Harvest