AeroFarms, an indoor vertical farming company and supplier of microgreens to the U.S. retail market, revealed new third-party research validating the extraordinary nutritional value of the company’s micro broccoli.
The study, which examined the nutritional composition of both AeroFarms Micro Broccoli and mature broccoli florets, confirmed that AeroFarms Micro Broccoli offers up to 35 times more nutrient density per ounce than mature broccoli florets for specific vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, according to a news release.
AeroFarms says the research underscores its leadership in creating a new retail category for these tiny greens that provides consumers with easier access to the nutrients and flavors they crave. AeroFarms’ microgreens are ready to eat out of the package and do not require washing because they are sustainably grown indoors without the use of pesticides, the company says.
The study found that 1 ounce of AeroFarms Micro Broccoli delivers the same levels of Vitamin A and Sulforaphanes as nearly 36 ounces (three 12-ounce bags) of broccoli florets. Compared to mature broccoli florets, AeroFarms Micro Broccoli contains higher levels per ounce of the following nutrients:
- Thirty-five times more sulforaphanes and two times more flavonoids, phytonutrients that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cardiovascular-protective properties.
- Thirty-four times more vitamin A, which supports vision, immune system, skin and cellular health.
- Six times more calcium, essential for bone and tooth health, muscle and heart function.
- Four times more vitamin K, supporting bone, heart and blood vessel health and blood sugar regulation.
- Four times more magnesium, which supports hundreds of important bodily processes each day.
- Three times more iron, which is essential for oxygen transport and hormone regulation.
“The data confirms why AeroFarms’ Micro Broccoli is an incredible superfood —microgreens are not only delicious and versatile, but they are among the most nutrient-dense foods available,” says LeAnn James, vice president of food safety and quality assurance for AeroFarms. “At AeroFarms, we are proud to pioneer innovation in both food safety and nutrition, delivering fresh and flavorful microgreens that meet the highest standards of quality.”
AeroFarms grows their microgreens indoors using the company’s patented aeroponics vertical farming technology, 100% renewable energy, 90% less water and 230 times less land than traditional farming, the company says. No pesticides are used on the plants, which also eliminates the need to wash before eating. This allows consumers to easily achieve their nutrition goals and supercharge every meal with AeroFarms’ package-to-plate microgreens, whether as a garnish, primary recipe ingredient or as a replacement for lettuce in center-of-the-plate salads, the company says.
AeroFarms says it commands 70% of the U.S. retail market share for microgreens, with availability of the nutrient-dense greens in nearly 2,500 stores nationwide, including four new retail partners and 750 new stores added this year.
“Microgreens are driving growth in the packaged salads category with flavorful, nutrient-dense options for consumers,” James says. “AeroFarms is not only expanding consumer choice, but we are redefining how fresh greens can be grown and distributed to consumers throughout the United States.”
