Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MICROGIRL
MICROGIRL. In 2015 Laura Klavitter, a horticulture educator with the Dubuque County Iowa State Extension and Outreach, began growing microgreens, plants including kale, arugula, and radishes, that add flavor to foods while acting as a garnish. Her garden, stacks of trays under grow lights, was located in the basement of her home.
There was a lack of options for local restaurants that wanted to use these plants. Nationwide there were many suppliers, but the delicate plants had to be flown on overnight shipping. Harvesting the plants too soon placed them in the category of sprouts which were subject to FDA regulation due to risk of foodborne illness. Harvested too late, the plants lost their appeal as a garnish.
Klavitter was able to grow her plants to meet the standards of Kevin Scharpf, co-owner and chef of Brazen Open Kitchen and Bar, and gradually expanded her client base to three local restaurants. She also shared his experiences with students at the ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER.
In 2016 Klavitter entered her business, MicroGirl, in the SCORE Small Business Championship contest.
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Source:
Jacobson, Ben. "Microgreens," Telegraph Herald, January 31, 2016, p. 1D