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Shell Ridge Farms delivers fresh cut Leafy Greens, Herbs, and Microgreens direct to the local community and designs sustainable grow systems that can provide fresh produce year round, worldwide.
All of our produce is cultivated using all organic soil, hydroponic, aeroponic, and sustainable growing methods. Our indoor vertical farm in Placer County operates without the use of GMO's, pesticides or herbicides. Thank you for visiting our webpage.
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Arugula
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Radish Blends
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Pepper Cress
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Parsely
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Red Mustard
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Mizuna
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Komatsuna
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Pak Choi
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Shiso
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Amaranth
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Red Veined Sorrel
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Broccoli
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Anise
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Red Russian Kale
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Pea Shoots
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Buckwheat Shoots
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Sunflower Shoots
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Genevese Basil
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Lime Basil
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Cinnamon Basil
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Opal Basil
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Chervil
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Cilantro
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Chive
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Acre Cabbage
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Leek
Shell Ridge Farms works directly with Chefs and local businesses to minimize the supply chain. We create year round customized produce orders to meet our local chefs seasonal goals.
Why Microgreens Are the Best Source...
What is Sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and, of course, microgreens. It’s a type of isothiocyanate, a sulfur-containing compound known for its potent health benefits, especially its cancer-fighting properties. Sulforaphane is formed when glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate precursor, is converted by the enzyme myrosinase during chopping or chewing of the vegetables .
The Science Behind the Benefits
Cancer Prevention:
Research has shown that sulforaphane has remarkable anti-cancer properties. A study from Johns Hopkins revealed that sulforaphane can activate detoxification enzymes and protect cells from DNA damage . This compound was first discovered by Paul Talalay, a researcher at Johns Hopkins, who highlighted its potential in reducing cancer risk .
Sulforaphane has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even kill them in laboratory settings. It works by inducing phase II detoxification enzymes, which help eliminate carcinogens before they can damage DNA . This makes sulforaphane a powerful ally in the fight against cancer.
Heart Health and Beyond:
Not only does sulforaphane help combat cancer, but it also supports heart health. It has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces oxidative stress, and improves blood pressure . These benefits are essential for maintaining a healthy heart and overall well-being.
Cognitive Function:
Emerging research suggests that sulforaphane may also play a role in improving cognitive function. A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that sulforaphane can cross the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons from inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
How Much Broccoli Do You Need to Match Freeze-Dried Microgreens?
We all know broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, but did you know that to get the same amount of sulforaphane found in freeze-dried microgreens, you’d have to eat an astonishing amount of mature broccoli? Studies have shown that freeze-dried broccoli microgreens can contain up to 100 times more glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane, compared to mature broccoli heads . To match the sulforaphane levels from just a small serving of freeze-dried microgreens, you’d need to consume approximately 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of mature broccoli .
This dramatic difference is due to the higher concentration of beneficial compounds found in microgreens. So, if you're looking to supercharge your sulforaphane intake without eating your weight in broccoli, adding freeze-dried microgreens to your diet is the way to go!
Freeze-Drying: The Secret to Boosting Glucoraphanin
Here’s a fun fact: freeze-drying microgreens can increase the levels of glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane. Freeze-drying preserves the enzyme myrosinase, which is essential for converting glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. This process ensures that when you consume freeze-dried microgreens, you get a higher dose of this powerful compound.
Real-World Impact
In a study involving men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer, sulforaphane was found to slow the rate of increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, highlighting its potential as a preventive therapy . Another study published in Frontiers in Oncology noted that sulforaphane could significantly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, thanks to its robust antioxidant properties.
How to Get Your Sulforaphane Fix
The best way to reap the benefits of sulforaphane is by incorporating a variety of cruciferous vegetables into your diet. Microgreens are an excellent source, as they contain high concentrations of glucoraphanin. Remember, for the highest sulforaphane yield, consuming freeze-dried microgreens can give you that extra boost!
Sulforaphane is a true super compound with a wide range of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health and cognitive function. By understanding the science behind it and optimizing how we consume it, like through freeze-drying, we can harness its full potential.
Stay healthy and green, and don’t forget to add a generous serving of microgreens to your meals and beverages!
Warm Regards, The Shell Ridge Farms Team
References:
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting local farmers. Stay tuned for more health tips and exciting news from Shell Ridge Farms!
Nurture yourself and others with highly nutritious, freshly harvested microgreens. Cut just above the roots, microgreens and shoots are vegetable, lettuce and herb seedlings sown densely and carefully harvested. The research below indicates just how nutritious and beneficial to our health these greens can be.
"Microgreens are specialty leafy crops harvested just above the roots after the first true leaves have emerged and are consumed fresh. Broccoli (Brassica oleacea var. italica) microgreens can accumulate significant concentrations of cancer-fighting glucosinolates as well as being a rich source of other antioxidant phytochemicals. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) now provide the ability to measure impacts of narrow-band wavelengths of light on seedling physiology... Results demonstrate management of LED lighting technology through preharvest., acted to increase important phytochemical compounds influencing the nutritional value of broccoli microgreens."
Source: http://journal.ashspublications.org/content/138/1/31.abstract
"Researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently completed a study to determine the level of nutrients in microgreens compared to their mature counterparts.
What are microgreens exactly? They are tiny, immature versions of vegetables, herbs and other plants harvested anywhere from a week to two weeks after germination that tend to be about one to two inches long with the stem and leaves still attached.
Assistant professor Qin Wang and graduate student Zhenlei Xiao with the College of AGNR’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science (link is external)(NFSC) participated in the study, which looked at nutrients like Vitamin C, E, K and beta carotene found in 25 different types of microgreens including cilantro, celery, red cabbage, green basil and arugula.
Their research ultimately discovered that the microgreens contained 4 to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts."
- See more at: https://agnr.umd.edu/news/mighty-microgreens#sthash.IkoE2GYB.dpuf
About Us:
Shell Ridge Farms is family owned and provides fresh cut Leafy Greens, Herbs and Microgreens direct to the local community. We specialize in climate control and automation for indoor farming and aim to empower people to grow the most nutritionally dense and flavorful greens available. On our indoor vertical farm in Placer County, we grow microgreens, shoots, lettuces, edible flowers, and herbs for the local community and beyond. We are dedicated to developing our technologies and discovering new ways of growing and enjoying nutrient dense, flavorful produce.
In addition to offering "living" and fresh cut produce to the local community, Shell Ridge Farms offers several options for growing vegetables and herbs, year-round, at your home, office or restaurant. We manufacture custom designed systems to meet the specifications and aesthetics of our customers. There have been many recent developments in sustainable agriculture and technologies experiencing intense research as a means to mitigate the effects of agricultural pollution worldwide. Shell Ridge Farms products and services are about empowerment, education, local food, local jobs, and nutritionally superior foods. We encourage people to produce and enjoy the most nutrient dense greens available. Please contact us and become a part of our network!