Farm.one brings farm-to-table to the heart of Manhattan
TRIBECA, Manhattan (WABC) -- And small doesn't exactly describe it -- it's all of 600 square feet located in the basement of a building in Tribeca.
"At any one time, we're growing 100 products on this farm, which is a huge variety in a pretty small space," farm.one founder Rob Laing said. "We have marigolds up here, a beautiful flower."
The tech guy-turned-farmer points out that a lot of technology goes into farm.one, where the crops are grown hydroponically.
"We started farm.one in New York because the food scene is super competitive," Laing said. "Chefs are looking for all sorts of crazy ingredients, but year-round, it's hard for them to get it because that growing environment changes."
So instead of shipping from Mexico and California, New York chefs can now get those hard-to-find herbs, micro-greens and edible flowers at his farm.
That includes oxalis flowers, which have some punch to them. It's a bit like sucking on a lemon.
Most of what's planted at farm.one is harvested within several weeks.
"We sell to about 30 to 35 restaurants," Laing said. "They tend to be at the high-end Michelin starred."
The temperature in the basement allows for year-round growing season.
"Harvesting something and delivering it the same day, the flavor is way more intense," Laing said. "And chefs really notice in the product."
If you want to try some of those micro-products, farm.one is open to the public for tastes and tours five nights a week.
For more information visit farm.one.
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