MICROGREENS ARE UP TO 40% MORE NUTRITIOUS THAN THE MATURE PLANT
Opportunity thrives in change, challenge builds resilience, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help
“In 2022, still reeling from supply chain issues, Amelia Island Microgreens was dangerously close to not having the necessary inventory to produce the popular ‘Ready, Set, Grow!’ microgreen kits to meet consumer demands,” says 17-year-old Connor Hiebel, founder and owner of Amelia Island Microgreens. “We went from near disaster to creating a different and better product by collaborating with other people in our field, never giving up on our passion to help people gain food security, and being flexible enough to change our kits to meet the current situation...
At the peak of the COVID shutdown, when produce became less than stellar and more expensive, my mom tried putting in a garden,” he said. “As we were building it, I thought how much work this was compared to growing microgreens, how expensive this garden was and how much space it took up.”
Connor, who is also a community volunteer, envisioned a business with a public service twist. “I said to my mom, ‘We should teach people how to grow microgreens.’ I had no idea how much work, nor the positive impact this would have on so many people,” he said.
They sell microgreens and “Ready, Set, Grow!” kits through their website and social media platforms, to area chefs and at Coastal Cottage of Amelia, Nassau Health Foods and Red Bones Dog Bakery in Fernandina Beach. They also sell them at farmers markets, such as the one at the Celestial Farms animal sanctuary..
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Microgreens are very young plants that are both delicate and flavorful. Often confused with sprouts, microgreens are just the tops of freshly-grown vegetables, harvested a within 7-10 days after they’ve been planted. They’re younger than baby greens but more mature than sprouts. They pack a whopping 40% more nutrient density than the mature plant, making them a perfect super food!
"I was pleasantly shocked to see my child walk over to the tray of microgreens many times throughout the day and eat a handful of greens. I think growing her own food inspired her to eat them! Thank you, Amelia Island Microgreens!"
~Sharon Las Vegas, NV
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