Vendor Spotlight: Field and Root Microgreens

In the heart of St. Thomas, Ontario, a green revolution is sprouting, led by the passionate and health-conscious Neta and Stephen Bodrug. Through their venture, Field and Root Microgreens, they not only provide the community with nutrient-dense microgreens but also foster a culture of preventative health and wellness through small, attainable changes. 

​A Journey Rooted in Wellness
Neta's journey into the world of microgreens began with a personal commitment to preventative health. Introduced to these young, edible plants by her mentors who previously cultivated microgreens in St. Thomas, Neta experienced their benefits firsthand. After her mentors’ departure and with the encouragement of Stephen, Neta began to grow microgreens for her family as an alternative to having to travel to London. Then, recognizing a void in the community after their mentors' departure, Neta and Stephen felt compelled to continue Randy and Roxanne's legacy and fill the need for local microgreens in St. Thomas and Elgin County. "I believe in preventative health and taking control of our well-being through intentional choices," Neta shares. "Microgreens align with this philosophy, offering concentrated nutrition that helps the body thrive."

Cultivating Connections and Overcoming Challenges
For Neta, the most rewarding aspect of running Field and Root Microgreens has been the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals—customers and fellow small business owners alike. Educating the community on the benefits of microgreens and witnessing people make simple, health-conscious changes is what drives her passion, and connecting with the Horton Farmers’ Market community has been an incredible opportunity for Field and Root Microgreens. 

​However, the path hasn't been without challenges. In the sustainable agriculture space, improving time efficiency has been a significant hurdle. To address this, Neta has focused on experimenting and conducting trials to streamline processes, ensuring better productivity while maintaining a commitment to the quality the community deserves.

Demystifying Microgreens
​For those unfamiliar, microgreens are young, edible plants harvested at an early stage, typically when the first true leaves have developed. They differ from sprouts, which are harvested at the seedling stage before leaves appear. Unlike fully grown vegetables, microgreens offer concentrated nutrients in a smaller form and are harvested much sooner, making them ideal for quick, sustainable growth and use in various dishes.

All of Neta’s seeds proudly come from a Canadian owned company in Saskatchewan, and are seeded and harvested by hand. Microgreens come in various varieties, all with differing needs, but generally speaking most microgreens go from seed to harvest in ten days. Neta has the production down to a science; an essential step for microgreens which need monitored and controlled temperature, light, and moisture levels. 

Microgreens should be consumed within 12 days of drying, and should be refrigerated and kept away from moisture. Neta’s microgreens go through a drying stage within the first ten minutes of harvest, and are packaged with an organic paper towel to soak up moisture, and are tightly sealed to limit their exposure to air.

Health Benefits and Culinary Versatility
Incorporating microgreens into your diet can provide a wealth of health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they offer a boost to immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. The specific benefits can vary depending on the type—for instance, broccoli microgreens are known for their high Vitamin C content, while sunflower microgreens boast elevated levels of Vitamin E. Including a variety in your diet can provide a range of essential nutrients to support health.​
​
Microgreens are a versatile addition to everyday meals, enhancing flavour and nutrition. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, soups, and omelets, or used as toppings for just about any meal. Neta personally loves adding them to her eggs for an extra boost. Their ability to complement a wide range of dishes makes them a valuable, nutrient-packed ingredient.

Because some days the idea of eating a whole bowl of arugula just isn't all that appealing, but adding a handful of microgreens for visual appeal and crunch? YES!

Community Favourites and Where to Find Them
​Among the varieties offered by Field and Root Microgreens, certain types have become customer favourites. Broccoli microgreens are popular due to their well-known health benefits, including cancer-fighting properties. Radish microgreens in the Spicy Blend attract those who enjoy a kick, with their spicy flavor and strong beneficial properties. Pea microgreens are also favored as they are widely recognized. The "bread and butter" mix, combining pea and sunflower microgreens, is hearty, flavorful, and particularly delicious on toast with butter. These varieties appeal to a broad range of tastes while offering a diverse set of nutritional benefits.

For those interested in incorporating these nutrient-dense greens into their diet, Field and Root Microgreens offers several convenient options. In addition to being a part of the Horton Farmers' Market, Field and Root Microgreen products are well-stocked at Briwood Farm Market (you'll find several of our Horton Market family there), and can also be found at Howe’s Farm Market & Country Bakery, and Thomas Brothers Market. With only fresh products provided weekly; any remaining stock is removed prior to expiry and donated locally to those in need, currently delivered weekly to the Inn and Harvest Hands. Additionally, they are always available online to take orders through social media, and offer a subscription option for pick-up at the Horton Farmers Market to ensure your choices are available and saved for you.
​
Through Field and Root Microgreens, Neta is not only providing a valuable product but also nurturing a community focused on health, sustainability, and connection. Her dedication to education and quality ensures that the benefits of microgreens are accessible to all, fostering a healthier future for St. Thomas and beyond.

Paige Palmer, Marketing Assistant

Paige is a proud recent graduate of Western University's Media and Communications (MACS) program and King's University College's Thanatology program. Born and raised in Elgin County, Paige loves connecting with local people and businesses to tell their stories and promote their hard work. A previous St. Thomas Parks and Forestry summer student, Paige loves exploring local parks and trails, capturing some beautiful pictures along the way. ​