My Greens 2023: Get Your Daily Dose of Microgreens
DeliveryRank chats with Sonsoles Jiménez, the CEO of My Greens and a visionary leader committed to bringing fresh micro vegetables directly to your table. With a focus on flavor and nutritional value, Sonsoles and her team work tirelessly to harvest these tiny greens daily, ensuring that you receive a vibrant array of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins in every bite. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with these delightful and health-packed micro vegetables.
My Greens highlights the exceptional nutritional value of microgreens, with concentrations of minerals and vitamins up to 40 times higher than those found in adult plants. How did you come to recognize the potential of microgreens as superfoods, and what inspired you to start an online shop dedicated to offering them?
The inspiration came from our will to contribute and reality; climate change, the increasing population, the scarcity of key resources, the advancement of desertification which all pose a threat to our survival. My Greens goes beyond an online shop. We aim to create self-sufficient- self sustainable production local plants adapted to local ecosystems offering highly nutritive delicious fresh products available for everyone. We were encouraged by that vision and the existence of some research studies showing very positive evidence, as well as experiences in other countries, such as the US.
These sustainable methods of farming caught our attention allowing also for multiple crops to be grown at once in a predictive way. Technology has already yielded some promising results, although there are still challenges to overcome and much work to be done.
Moreover, research has shown positive results in the growth of plants and the higher concentration of nutrients. It's fascinating how our feelings are influenced when we consume products that are healthy yet an experience in taste, color,…besides having been responsibly produced, which further motivates us to pursue these types of goods.
Vertical farming provides certainty regarding crop yield, even in the face of uncontrollable factors like lack of rain or fluctuating temperatures. This approach allows us to predict harvests and ensure the availability of fresh produce.
One of the key features of My Greens is the freshness of the microgreens, which can last for a minimum of ten days in the refrigerator while retaining their color and texture. Could you explain the cold shipment and packaging technology you use to ensure the longevity and quality of the product?
Throughout the entire process, from harvesting to delivery, strict control measures are in place. One important aspect is maintaining a consistent temperature. We ensure that the temperature remains constant, which guarantees freshness and accessibility.
Our packaging materials are carefully selected and predominantly made from natural sources, such as biodegradable materials, rather than traditional plastic. They may resemble plastic, but they are derived from sustainable natural sources. Additionally, we incorporate special pads in the packaging, also sustainable (and natural), which help preserve the products' freshness and extend their shelf life.
Even when stored in your refrigerator, they can stay fresh for over ten days. This extended shelf life is a result of the meticulous processes we follow in packaging our products, ensuring that they maintain their quality throughout the entire journey.
Microgreens are known for their intense flavors, thanks to cultivation in organic soil. How do you ensure the consistent quality and flavor profile of your microgreens? Are there any specific varieties or combinations that have become customer favorites?
Our primary objective is to deliver flavors that go beyond just freshness. We aim to provide products that are not only highly nutritious but also incredibly delicious, enhancing culinary experiences even in your own kitchen. This pursuit of exceptional flavor stems from our extensive research and development efforts (and preference), focusing on organic regenerative features. Innovation is at the core of our approach, as it enables us to achieve remarkable outcomes in every aspect of our work.
Around 5-10% of our warehouse is dedicated to research and development. We constantly strive to explore new methods, to obtain the best results. Our focus extends to the entire process, from using organic seeds to nurturing each individual plant. It involves a lot of trial and error, adapting to the demands of the market.
To ensure our products meet the highest standards, we collaborate closely with not only our clients/customers but also schools and various research centers. This collaborative approach helps us improve and enhance the overall experience we offer with our products.
Sustainability and reducing waste are important considerations for many consumers. How does My Greens contribute to minimizing waste through its packaging or other practices? Are there any initiatives in place to educate customers on the importance of reducing food waste?
Operating based on demand is an integral part of our business model. Our production is carefully programmed and tailored to meet specific requirements, as well as orders from our clients. We use advanced technology, even from the initial stages of our business, to ensure that our processes are efficient and effective. This includes optimizing soil conditions and output from our production processes, and aiming to add in the field of precision nutrition.
We prioritize sustainability in all aspects of our operations. Any surplus or leftover products that do not meet our strict standards are donated to local agriculture and farmers, who use them as fertilizers. Same for the organic soil used once We believe in minimizing waste and actively seek ways to collaborate with others for the benefit of both parties. If there are any remaining products that cannot be utilized, we are eager to explore alternative solutions, such as recycling or donation.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just production. Our packaging is designed to be recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable, reflecting our dedication to environmentally friendly practices. We strive to go beyond mere sustainability and actively contribute to the circular regenerative economy. By utilizing other people's outputs, sharing ours and collaborating, we can create mutually beneficial relationships and foster a sense of shared prosperity.
This approach is driven by our ambition and shared mindset with like-minded individuals who prioritize sustainability. Building connections and finding common ground with others who share our values has made our journey more manageable, despite the challenges we have faced along the way.
As the CEO of My Greens, what is your vision for the future of the company and how do you see the role of microgreens evolving in the broader context of healthy eating and sustainable food systems?
In addition to our existing practices, we are actively involved in the research and development in several lines among which would be analyzing the overall impact of what we produce. We strive to promote healthy eating habits by creating products that are not only beneficial for our bodies but also incredibly tasty and good. Our aim is to make the consumption of vegetables and other nutritious foods an automatic desired choice for individuals. The flavors and quality of our products are so delightful that people naturally want to incorporate them into their diet.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to establishing self-sufficient plant banks in various locations. These banks are designed to have a minimal carbon footprint and operate within their own ecosystem. They are tailored to the specific market and location where they are set up.
Additionally, we offer services to other individuals or organizations who are interested in adopting similar practices. This expansion is not limited to local markets alone. We aim to reach customers and communities far and wide, allowing us to spread the joy of healthy eating in a tasteful and impactful way.
Collaboration is crucial to our mission, and we actively work with schools, restaurants, research and knowledge entities, and administrative bodies. By partnering with these institutions, we can effectively reach and educate a wider audience about the importance of healthy eating habits. Our goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change and encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
