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Sprouts and microgreens?
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Posted by canuckistani 5b (My Page) on Wed, Aug 12, 09 at 17:25
| Just curious about how many growers here sell sprouts or microgreens? Is there much of a market for these items in your area? Any suggestions on how to go about growing or selling them? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| This may seem strange, but a friend of mine raises and rescues parrots and was looking for a place to get them for her birds. Of course, I suggested she just try to grow her own, but prehaps a pet store or were they sell birds only would be a market for you. People pay good money to take care of their pets, and parrot food is pretty pricey. I have two and mine love my garden as much as we do!! |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| Hmm, interesting idea. Thanks! |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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I started doing sprouts last fall to try and get some extra income coming in over the winter. I grow clover (similar to alfalfa), popcorn shoots, pea shoots, buckwheat lettuce and sunflower. In regards to the microgreens - easiest was arugula but I have also done bull's blood beet, spinach and chervil. I found the last three time consuming as the seed didn't pop off very easily.
I was selling to an independent produce store but he has since sold to a chain which I can't supply to. I sell to a caterer who uses the clover sprouts in her sandwiches and to a chef who uses them to spruce up his salads in the winter months.
If you are interested I can let you know how I did the set up of it because I didn't want to fork out alot of money and not be able to sell them so I did the setup - I think quite economical.
The pet store is an interesting idea! |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| I'd love to hear about your set up, it's something I had considered as an off season crop as well. Thank you for offering to share! <3 |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| Also very interested in your set up as well herb gardener- great info! |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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Well here goes. For the clover I purchased two Bioset Kitchen Salad Garden (I actually got my last one at a health food store - thereby saving shipping). It is on the go constantly.
In regards to the sprouts - you first need to soak them overnight - I use pyrex 9x13 pans. Then they have to be rinsed two to three times a day until they start to root. This is were I had trouble coming up with something that was reusable and economical but then the lightbulb went on. I put a black mesh seedling tray inside a solid tray, line the mesh tray with a cotton cloth (tea towel)(can be washed and bleach and reused. When you need to rinse simply lift out the mesh tray, rinse, dray and put back into the solid tray. They also need to be in darkness so I covered a clear dome lid with black plastic. The sunflower sprouts can go right ontop of #4 mix (I use two solid black trays) and covered with about 3 rows of paper towels kept moist until they start to sprout (skip the rinsing method). In regards to the pea shoots, if you want yellow popcorn shoots leave them covered in darkness, green popcorn shoots let open to the light. I covered a large plastic dome with black plastic. I hope I make sense!! I then just use my black plastic trays and #4 mix (that is what costs the most). When the sprouts are ready for harvest just clip, throw the #4 into the compost, wash and bleach the trays and they are ready to use again and again.
Now in regards to the set up - I bought two metal shelving units (the chrome ones you see everywhere) one has five shelves and the other four (three trays fit on each shelf perfectly). Everything was growing fine in the summer close to the window and the sunshine then winter came and I couldn't figure out why nothing was greening up-another lightbulb moment - lights. We had 2ft florescents that my husband added a plug to and hooked them unto the underside of each shelf, put them on timers and we were back in business. Also hooked up a small fan to keep the air circulating so mould doesn't set in.
The microgreens are pretty expensive to do because of the cost of the seed - everytime you use so much to cover the tray and get a decent crop. I have just narrowed it down to arugula and buckwheat lettuce. Neither of these seeds should be soaked because they just turn to glue. Just sprinkle onto of the #4 mix and keep moist by misting regularly.
On more thing - shop very carefully for your sprouts. My regular supplier was out of popcorn shoots so I started sourcing elsewhere - I was going to cost me almost $75.00 more to buy somewhere else so I just put those shoots on hold until I could get more from him. Also buy in bulk and keep them in your freezer.
It is a full time venture because you no sooner get one tray under the lights and it is time to start the next set but it has really increased our income over the winter months.
Hope you understand all this, if not ask away.
Take care
Melissa |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| I would think if you put the microgreens into those little plastic clamshells, it could be a nice sell to the pet stores. Most all have a refridgerated area. Wait!! maybe I'll give it a go. LOL |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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Hi:
When I sold by sprouts etc to the produce store I sold them in clamshells. Great idea for the pet store because you can put your label on the top and get your name out there.
I might suggest you put some paper towel in the bottom to absorb the moisture and they last longer.
The clover and pea shoots have the longest shelf life.
Hey gardener1908 let us know how you make out if you decide to give it a go.
Take care
Melissa |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| herbgardener - what kind of shelf life do you get? |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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When I was selling to the produce store, the clover & pea shoots I think last a week possibly a week and half. The sunflower must be really dry and you may get it to last a week. The paper towels helped alot.
I sell clover sprouts every week to a caterer and I think she is Ok with them for that period of time if she doesn't use them all.
The buckwheat lettuce and popcorn shoot don't last that long maybe three to four days.
Hope that helps. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| I found a web site - called "Sproutpeople" that sells sprouting seeds for parrots. So that tells me there is a market. I think it will make a good late fall / early winter project. I think I'll start by talking to a few pet stores and parrot shops and see what kind of interest I get. What prices would you charge? |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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I would also check out Mumm's. I found their prices to be the best.
It's hard to say what I would charge, maybe go into the pet stores and just look around to see if they have any, or phone around. I have only sold to stores for human consumption. Maybe also check around to see if there is anyone selling parrots independently.
Now you have got me wondering!! Keep me posted. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| You guys are all lucky in other states. Around here the board of health will shut you down if you're not doing sprouts in an "approved kitchen". Actually the whole state of Indiana. You might want to check and see if you can sell them in your state before you spend any money. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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Gardener1908. You really got me thinking about the pet thing. Went on line to find out exactly what parrots eat and then went on to find out people who raise parrots in our province. Came up with a list aviary's and also then thought what about a vet.
Just a thought as there are not alot of independent pet stores around now and the big box one probably would not be able to take your product because you would have to supply to all their stores.
Keep me posted on what you are doing and any thoughts you might have. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| herbgardener - will do . I will be busy the next few weeks harvesting and processing. But like I said I think this would be a nice fall/winter project. Most stores , even big boxes can buy some things locally , or maybe a sign on their bulletion board. My vets office also has a board where you can post things. Some vets specilize in birds, that would be a good prospect. Please keep me posted from your end too! Good Luck. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| herbgardener - talked to my friend who does the rehab thing. She also said they are good for turtles, lizards and snakes (yikes!) So I do think the pet market could be a lucrative market. She said most people who have exotic pets are more willing to spend money, when you pay $2500.00 for a parrot you want to keep them healthy. Plus they live a long time, some to 60 yrs. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| I cannot believe I have not read this thread sooner. I actually work at a bird shop (when I am not working in my garden). We feed our birds all kinds of veggies every day. They love them. They do like sprouts also. We tried sprouting some seeds before with no luck, since before they sprouted they got moldy, obviously we did something wrong. You are right about people being willing to spend money on their birds. You would be surprised how much people are willing to spoil them. We encourage everyone who buys a bird to feed them veggies, since it is so good for them. We sell many different kinds of cooked foods, containing things like seeds, pasta, and veggies. Most of our customers feed their birds veggies and other cooked foods. I would imagine that your success at selling sprouts at a pet store would depend on if the store encourages people to feed their birds veggies or not. I would also say that you would probably be better off selling at a store that specializes in birds over a pet store where they may not actually know much about what they sell. I have thought of trying to sell bags of a variety of veggies in small quantities for people to give to their bird. For example a few pieces of kale or mustard greens (which birds LOVE), few carrots, some peas, some hot peppers (favorite of quakers), some beans, one or two corn, a small zucchini, small pumpkin or winter squash. That is all I can think of right now. Since birds do not eat as much as we do some people may like the small quantities of everything. That way their birds can get a nice variety. I came up with the idea last year and just never tried it. Thanks guys, now you got me thinking about it again! Like I do not already have enough of things to think about. Anyhow I should probably stop now, I could probably go on and on, two of my favorite topics birds and vegetables, so hard to stop:)
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RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| Anyone selling sprouts are subject to strict FDA guidelines that require extensive bacterial testing. There have been over a dozen recalls/alerts in the past year due to food poisoning caused by sprouts. If you get caught, they will shut you down. Hopefully no one will get sick on your products. Sprouts and microgreens are not the same thing. |
Here is a link that might be useful: welcome to Fresh Origins
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| bagardens I have two parrots I got from a rescue. One is a 8 yr. old Conure, quite the rascal, the other is a 11 yr. Goffin, quite and shy , but so, so sweet! And yes they eat all kinds of things. The Goffin. esp. loves the garden tidbits he gets - he loves radishes. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?2
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| And of course I would check into all state & health quidelines, before starting any business or selling anything to the public. |
RE: Sprouts and microgreens?
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| Is anyone else doing sprouts or microgreens for the first time? Any additional suggestions? |
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