Why Go “Micro” Green? A Deep Dive with Local Leaf Farm
Co-owners Stefanie and Danny opened Local Leaf Farm to connect the community with real food.
If you have any doubt that we’re a “bigger is better” society, just look at the size of our cell phones, favorite grocery stores (oh, hey, Costco!), and cars (or should I say trucks and large SUVs?). Similar trends can be seen in our food choices: reports indicate that 60-70% of food consumed in the U.S. is ultra-processed and is manufactured by just a few large food corporations.
Local Leaf Farm is an urban microgreen farm on a mission to connect the community to real food, and prove less is more - at least when it comes to leafy greens, and an efficient use of urban space.
Based in the heart of Highland Park, a bustling suburb on the North Shore, Local Leaf Farm celebrated its grand opening in mid-January. While the farm may be new to the area, co-owners and Highland Park residents, Stefanie and Danny Cohen, have already made a big splash in the community. They are partnering with local restaurants, chefs, and cafes and participating in the Ravinia Farmers Market.
The husband-and-wife team grows hydroponic microgreens, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and edible flowers in a compact retail space with the help of a small but mighty crew. They are passionate about educating folks on the benefits of fresh, locally grown food and welcome tours and school groups at the farm.
The Microgreen Dream Team
I sat down with Stefanie (left) and Lori (right) to learn more about microgreens.
I teamed up with Stefanie and Lori Bumbaco, registered dietitian at the Cancer Wellness Center, to plan an experiential Microgreens Discovery Event at the farm on January 29th. But patience is not one of my strong suits, and I couldn’t wait for the event to learn more about the farm’s mission and the nutritional benefits of microgreens.
Read the Q&A with Stefanie and Lori for the inside scoop on microgreens, and join us at the event for an in-depth tour, a nutrition deep dive, and a tasting experience.
Q&A with Stefanie Cohen, Co-Owner of Local Leaf Farm
Tell us about you and your family
Danny and I live in Highland Park with our four children, between the ages of 4 and 12. With origins from Deerfield and Highland Park (Stefanie and Danny respectively), we’re excited to build a community-focused in a place we have called home our entire lives. I have a background in journalism and education, working as an editor and then middle school teacher for years. Danny graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, computer science and math, and has worked designing HVAC mechanical and electrical systems for nearly 20 years.
What motivated you to start Local Leaf? What's your mission?
Danny is a thinker, a tinkerer and a dreamer. He has always loved visualizing spaces and utilizing them in the most practical and functional ways. By designing systems, and especially since cannabis became legal, Danny has gained a deep knowledge base about the various grow industries. With Covid, many spaces were left unused or vacant for years. A few years ago, Danny started imagining how to use those empty spaces.
Additionally, after having four kids, the grocery trips have been many, and the frustration with the food industry has skyrocketed. I really love connecting with my community, and finding ways to bring everyone together. By combining our passions and knowledge, Local Leaf Farm came into existence.
Our Mission Statement: Revolutionizing the way people connect with food.
Stefanie embodies the mission; you’ll often see her in the “greens” suit around town.
Favorite microgreen uses or recipes?
I honestly love taking the entire container of the MicroGiant blend or Vitality blend and adding in some rice, tomatoes, broccoli, protein of choice, an avocado and a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil, and mix it up! Hearty dinner protein bowl never disappoints! I’ve also changed up the ingredients to add corn, beans, or other veggies!
Danny loves to add the microgreens on scrambled eggs or cream cheese and a bagel. Or our delicious basil on a pizza!
[Get more recipe ideas from Local Leaf’s free digital cookbook.]
Microgreens Nutrition: Q&A with Lori Bumbaco, registered dietitian
What are some of the nutritional benefits of microgreens?
Microgreens are considered a functional food, which is a food that promotes health and prevents disease. Research about microgreens’ ability to prevent or treat disease is not yet available, but evidence-based medicine promotes eating a lot of plant foods for their association to reduce risk for many conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity. As an emerging food source, the chemical composition of microgreens is yet to be explored, and very little information is being documented.
It is said that microgreens are largely associated with micro and macronutrients, such as iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and selenium. Apart from these mineral components, microgreens are rich in biological phytochemicals, which have an immense potential to enhance human health and also aid in improving diseases. The major bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid, phylloquinones, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, phenolic antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and glucosinolates, are reported to be present in the microgreens in larger amounts.
What are the benefits of microgreens that we may not realize?
Most Americans already do not consume enough vegetables daily because of access, cost, or taste preferences. Microgreens provide a return on investment because they are a concentrated source of nutrients in a small amount, while also inviting delicious taste to the table! Often those who do not enjoy the taste of mature vegetables (looking at you, broccoli!), actually enjoy the mild and delicate flavor of the microgreen version.
The taste, smell, texture, and versatility of microgreens make them an obvious choice in our home kitchens. They can be easily added to our favorite meals, like avocado toast, salads, or plant-based soups and sandwiches. We can impress loved ones by using them as a garnish, transforming a simple meal into a masterpiece!
What are some of the nutrients of interest found in some microgreens?
Microgreens are rich in biological phytochemicals, which have an immense potential to enhance human health and also aid in improving diseases. This is what sets microgreens apart. They have a potential that not many other foods have. We can harness the power of nutrition and transform wellness when we include microgreens!
Radish, Arugula, and Broccoli: packed with glucosinolates, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Each of these revs up our body’s detoxifying systems, reduces inflammation, and dials down the expression of oncogenes.
Pea shoots: they have 7 times the vitamin C of blueberries and 8 times the folate as bean sprouts to put their nutrient content into perspective. They possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory compounds in flavonoids and polyphenols.
Sunflowers: have an impressive list of nutrients, including vitamins A, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
