Don't let their size fool you. While they might only be about two inches tall, microgreens have revolutionized the culinary world, become a mighty superfood, and ushered in a new wave of farming. The edible young seedlings are a fascinating specimen that many in the area offer the community.
Justin Upshaw is one. The founder of EssentialRVA Microgreens, Upshaw's selections can be found throughout Richmond, including at St. Stephen's and Birdhouse farmers' markets.
This urban farmer primarily focuses on sunflower, broccoli, radish, and mustard microgreens. "I grow based on nutritional diversity and feel those four greens cover nutrition bases," he says. Arugula, peas, leeks, and cilantro will occasionally be available.
Upshaw's journey into microgreens was somewhat of an accident. After leaving for almost a year to live in Arizona, this lifelong Richmonder returned in 2019 with a desire to try growing something, perhaps an ode to his grandfather's garden he fondly remembers. A lack of space was a problem though, leading him to research some potential ideas.
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