Green Garden Organics Inc. supplies all Florida Whole Foods Markets with wheatgrass they grow themselves, certified organically, on their indoor farm in an industrial warehouse in a strip of others like it near Miami International Airport. Louis Duncanson says "I grew my first tray of grass 31 years ago." Duncanson, his wife and their small crew also grow a variety of microgreens that find use by chefs in the restaurant industry.
Duncanson explains that his secret is the soilmix he uses and the de-sodium chlorided, mineral rich sea water he uses for planting. "We have a special mix, a very special mix. I'll give you some clues to what's in it: coconut husk, pearlite, peat moss, sea vegetables, crushed lobster shells, and no manure, cause this is for eating, and you don't want to eat manure do you?"
Louis says of the seawater "We take out the sodium chloride and leave all the minerals. That makes all the difference." His wife Kim says "Make sure you mention he's a licensed nutritionist. He works with a lot of cancer and AIDS patients."
The Duncanson's used to keep an outdoor farm in Coconut Grove, where they live, but say "We grow indoors because of the pollution, acid rain, and lead in the atmosphere, all that stuff.
The U.S. governement is the one who started all the testing on wheatgrass years ago, anticipating nuclear war, they were looking for a green superfood that grows fast.
People say a shot of wheatgrass is like a blood transfusion."
Louis goes on to say that wheatgrass is full of "Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, over 100 different trace elements, a full spectrum, like potassium, magnesium, zinc, gold, silver, all in trace form. It's also full of chlorophyll and all the vitamins: A, B, C, all that stuff. One ounce has the equivalency to 5 pounds of carrots or 2 and 1/2 pounds of organic vegetables.
Kim says, "I do the local deliveries. We work with Athens, the oldest juice bar in Miami, on Collins and 71st, The Last Carrot in The Grove, Sun Juice in South Miami, Smoothie King on Alton, by FIU, and on Biscayne next to The Daily, also Juice Zone and Key To Health on Key Biscayne.
Brandon says "We met in The Grove when I was bout 16, I'm 24 now." Kim adds "He's the future Louis. He knows how to do everything here with his eyes closed."
Lupe doesn't speak much English, but she says of the wheatgrass "It's good for people with cancer." Then she continues unloading the farm shelves so Brandon can cut more.
The farm also produces a variety of other greens.
Wanna know more about Green Garden Organics? Call Kim at 305-444-9830 and leave a message.
