SPECIALIZED CROPS…
Microgreens are one of the unique year-round crops in South Dakota
Microgreens are produced from a variety of plants, and are often harvested within three weeks of sowing. Leafy vegetables such as arugula, cabbage, radish or chard are grown, as well as herbs such as basil, cilantro or fennel. Additionally, some producers offer slightly larger sprouts of sunflower, corn or peas. (Courtesy photo)
CUSTER, SD — If you want to differentiate your cuisine by adding more complexity and nutrition to a dish, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better ingredient than microgreens. Wild Spruce Market, a specialty food and produce retailer, in Custer, SD, offers organically grown microgreens in Rapid City, SD.
Microgreens are one of the unique year-round crops in South Dakota. These edible seedlings are newly sprouted vegetables and herbs that have grown enough to show the plant’s first true leaves. They are packed with flavor and nutrition and are used to enhance dishes with their unique appearance and texture.
Microgreens are produced from a variety of plants, and are often harvested within three weeks of sowing. Leafy vegetables such as arugula, cabbage, radish or chard are grown, as well as herbs such as basil, cilantro or fennel. Additionally, some growers offer slightly larger sprouts of sunflowers, corn or peas.
Located at 447 Mt. Rushmore Rd. in Custer, SD, Wild Spruce Market recently partnered with Urban Farmer Microgreens, a local mushroom and microgreens grower. Microgreen salad mixes and pea shoots are currently available, but the store’s selection will expand as the weather continues to improve.
“The micros are harvested and delivered to the store the next day. You really can’t get fresher than that unless you grow your own,” said owner Claude Smith.
Microgreens will require some experimentation with their use, as each type will vary greatly in flavor. They can be served as a salad or mixed with large salad greens, creating a unique blend. You will also see them as a garnish in main dishes and sides or added to sandwiches or wraps.
Wild Spruce Market owners Claude and Christie Smith have 30 years of grocery experience between Iowa and South Dakota and truly care about supplying high-quality items that aren’t just “food,” but nutritious.
“Custer needed a specialty food store that highlighted locally produced products, and when we found a Main Street location, we had to look for it. We see visitors from all over the country and the world who are looking to eat healthier and want food sourced as closely as possible,” Smith said.
In addition to microgreens, the market offers local vegetables and mushrooms. They love their honey producers, 3 Queens Honey and Black Hills Honey Farm, and the benefits of locally sourced honey during allergy seasons. The store also offers local goat’s milk soap, eggs, cheese, butter, bison, lamb, goat and beef. The market is home to an espresso bar with locally roasted coffee and offers five local beers on tap, local wine, and kombucha.
Wild Spruce Market is one of eight retailers involved in Fresher is Fun! campaign, organized by the SD Specialty Growers Association (SDSPA) through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. All participating retailers offer specialty crops sourced from multiple producers, increasing variety, access and convenience for customers. The campaign hopes to increase awareness and sales of specialty crops grown in South Dakota.
To find a retailer selling local microgreens, visit the SDSPA retail website (https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/retailer/), which includes farm stands, grocery stores, and retailers selling local produce. Or visit the SDSPA local food directory (https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/producers/) to find a producer growing microgreens near you.
This program will also support several events this summer that will showcase honey, sweet corn and produce at retail stores in Nisland, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. For more information, contact SDSPA at 605-681-6793 or SDSpecialtyProducers@gmail.com. Specialty producers and local food enthusiasts can also stay up to date on events and educational opportunities by visiting our website at https://sdspecialtyproducers.org or following SDSPA on Facebook or Instagram.
—SDSPA
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