In our search for better crops, we have combined one of the most nutritionally dense vegetables in a hybrid with color as a marker for further benefits.

Pak Choi is one of the most nutritionally dense vegetables as measured by the ANDI Scale (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index). Pak Choi microgreens contain even more density per unit of weight (studies by USDA scientists show anywhere from 3-40 times the density of key nutrients).

Now consider that anthocyanins have shown to be another step in creating healing or wellness functions in our food. A reliable marker for anthocyanin content is red or purplish coloration in vegetables. 

So here is our newest specialty kit for micro farming wellness, Purple Pak Choi hybrid. Kits will be available this week on our www.urbafresh.com website. Looking great, tasting great and giving your body a dose of feeling great!

Our last blog entry highlighted upland cress and pointed out that it was one of the most nutrient dense microgreens to be found. We highlighted how microgreens by their nature are superior to the mature plant matter because of the exceptional concentration or nutrient density within the small structure of the microgreen.

Earlier information led us to coloration as one of the markers for powerful compounds (anthocyanins)  that have shown positive effects on cardio vascular disease, cancer and can boost cognitive function. Further research has shown that you can enhance compounds in plants by exposing them to different wavelengths of light. We noted the effect of blue LED lights had on the tested vegetables.

We attempted to see if we could duplicate these results on our simple microgreen system here. Again, the last blog highlighted growing out our upland cress microgreens so we built a grow bench that provided our blue LED lighting to grow out our microgreens. The photos here show the results of growing out our cress for a six week period and using the blue lighting for the last two weeks on the tray on the right side. Notice the enhanced purplish color of the right tray. I do believe now that a final finishing grow for a week or so on our standard growing crops should enhance the nutritional compounds available in our microgreens.