While patience is a virtue in gardening, some methods allow for a quicker harvest, especially when it comes to microgreens. At the Pocono Organics farm and research center in Blakeslee, a diverse range of these tiny yet potent crops is cultivated to be harvested at their peak nutritional value.
Haley O’Brien
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WVIA News
Initially making their mark in high-end cuisine as a garnish, microgreens have surged in popularity due to their impressive nutritional profile. “A lot of people don’t know about them, but they’re just nutrient powerhouses,” stated Ashley Walsh, the founder of Pocono Organics. To maximize their health benefits, the farm has expanded its offerings to include microgreen powder, which compresses these nutrients into an even more concentrated form.
Understanding Microgreens
Microgreens are harvested shortly after germination, a stage at which they are most nutrient-dense. Elizabeth Agee, microgreen manager at the farm, described them as “tiny but mighty.” She explained, “You can get the same amount of nutrients from eating a cup of broccoli, from just eating a quarter cup of microgreens. And they’re really, really high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well.”
Scientific studies have shown that microgreens contain more vitamins and minerals compared to their mature counterparts, with some varieties boasting up to 40 times more nutrients. For example, the farm cultivates microgreen versions of cilantro, broccoli, basil, and mustard greens.
Haley O’Brien
/
WVIA News
Microgreens are not just a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse for salads, smoothies, and other dishes. Their concentrated flavors can elevate any meal; for instance, microgreens like cilantro offer a more pronounced taste, while wasabi microgreens have a milder spice.
Growing Microgreens
Microgreens can flourish in minimal space and require only a few weeks to grow. At Pocono Organics, these greens are cultivated in a greenhouse setting. Soil-filled trays are seeded and watered, then stacked with weights to mimic the underground conditions necessary for germination.
Haley O’Brien
/
WVIA News
Once the sprouts emerge, they are unstacked and exposed to sunlight to initiate photosynthesis. Within 7 to 21 days, the microgreens are ready for harvest, typically cut with scissors when they develop their true leaves.
Regenerative Organic Certification
Pocono Organics, spanning 380 acres, holds the distinction of being among the largest regenerative organic certified farms in North America. This certification, introduced in 2017, emphasizes soil health, animal welfare, and social justice, exceeding USDA organic standards. “It just goes above and beyond USDA certified organic,” Walsh noted, highlighting its benefits for human and planetary health.
Haley O’Brien
/
WVIA News
Walsh’s personal health journey inspired the creation of Pocono Organics in 2019. Collaborating with the Rodale Institute, the farm has become a global center for organic research, producing unique crops like certified organic hemp and freeze-dried microgreens.
Microgreen Powder Innovation
Recently, Pocono Organics launched a line of broccoli microgreen powder, enabling consumers to benefit from the concentrated nutrients in a convenient form. Supported by a USDA grant, this initiative allows the farm to employ workers year-round.
Haley O’Brien
/
WVIA News
Formulation technician Matt Wolman highlights the benefit of the powder’s extended shelf life, stating, “We typically can get about a year of shelf stability out of this once it’s been freeze-dried.” This powder is available both at the farm’s market and online, appealing to a variety of buyers, including baby food and vitamin manufacturers.
A mere quarter teaspoon of this powder matches the nutrient content of a full serving of broccoli, making it a stealthy addition to meals for picky eaters. Pocono Organics plans to diversify its offerings with other microgreen varieties in the future.
