Early Greens
Nurturing Urban Agriculture
About Us
Early Greens is an innovative plant nursery located in the vibrant borough of Islington, North London.
Committed to sustainability and nutrition, we cultivate a diverse range of edible seedlings, commonly referred to as "microgreens," "micro herbs," or "super foods" .
We aimed to enhance culinary experiences while promoting individual and community health.
Our automated hydroponic garden facilitates bulk processing, high-yield harvests, and reduced production costs, allowing us to effectively support various businesses.
Pure Hydroponics
Our extensive collection includes over 40 varieties of specialty greens, herbs, and edible flowers, all meticulously grown to ensure optimal flavour and nutritional value.
Microgreens are young seedlings of edible plants, usually harvested at the early stages of their growth - between 7 and 14 days on average.
Why We Grow Micro Greens
They are produced from the seeds of familiar plants like radish, broccoli, pea, sunflower, carrots, lettuce and kale, to mention but a few.
They are harvested early because studies from various academic, medical, and nutrition bodies show that plants, at this stage, are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, far more than they contain at later stages of their growth.
Red cabbage seedlings, for example, surprisingly boast:
over 40 times the vitamin E content of mature cabbage, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports skin and cardiovascular health.
Vitamin K - very high levels
Beta-Carotene - (11.5 mg/100 g)
B Vitamins
thiamin, niacin, and folate
Minerals - calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
Antioxidants and Phytonutrients - anthocyanins, flavonoids, and glucosinolates
Super Cabbage
The high density of nutrients in edible seedlings makes them a powerhouse of health benefits, offering a simple way to enhance one’s diet without needing to consume large quantities of food.
This is the key reason they are gaining traction as a functional food and into the spotlight of healthy eating trends., especially among health-conscious individuals who are on the lookout for natural supplements.
With their vibrant flavours and versatility, microgreens can easily be incorporated into various dishes, from salads to smoothies, making them an appealing choice for those wanting to elevate their meals while reaping significant health rewards.
Natural Supplements
Our mission is to make the health benefits of microgreens more accessible, particularly for low-income families who stand to gain the most from their nutritional value, especially given the health disparities prevalent in urban areas.
We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy food options, and by promoting microgreens beyond the exclusive realms of upscale restaurants and affluent influencers, we can help bridge the gap.
Our Mission & Vision
At Early Greens, we’re all about making healthy food accessible to everyone.
Early Greens emerged from the Ben Meekee urban farming project, a grassroots family initiative established four years ago in response to significant food shortages triggered by global pandemics.
Our initial efforts included building a DIY hydroponic rack and collaborating with local youth on sustainable living pilot programs, followed by three years of research and experimentation with hydroponics and over 70 varieties of edible seedlings.
The compact nature of microgreens farming has allowed us to establish, develop, and enhance our plant nursery within an urban setting, optimizing limited space and bringing our services closer to our clients.
Our Story
Sustainable Living
With our innovative farming methods we are able to grow microgreens year-round, regardless of external weather conditions, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh greens for our clients.
By cultivating our microgreens indoors, we also minimize our environmental footprint while maximizing the nutritional value of our produce.
Whether you are a local chef looking to elevate your dishes, a community organization seeking fresh produce, or a young person eager to learn about urban agriculture, Early Greens is here to support you.
As we continue to grow, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Together, we can cultivate a greener, healthier city for all.
Our commitment to local sourcing means that we actively support local sellers, chefs, food designers and community organizations, fostering a network of collaboration that strengthens our city's food ecosystem.
By providing education, resources, and affordable options, we aim to empower communities to incorporate these nutrient-rich greens into their diets, fostering better health for all.
We aspire to serve as a platform for education, training, and community engagement. We are committed to involving local youth in sustainable living practices, offering them practical experience in urban agriculture through workshops and volunteer opportunities.
We are proud to collaborate with local businesses, schools, and organizations to share our passion for sustainable agriculture and healthy living.
Our initiative goes beyond just growing microgreens. At Early Greens, we believe that growing food should be a community effort.
Early Greens is a trading style of Ben Meekee Ltd. Registered Address: 5 Vaynor House, Williamson Street, London N7 0ST
