Dragon Greens, offering quick home delivery (within 24 hours of harvesting) of locally-grown microgreens to health-conscious Seffner-area residents.
His business is “growing.”
Mcrogreens, under three inches tall (smaller than baby greens but larger than sprouts), are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs that are usually harvested between one and three weeks after planting, just after the cotyledon leaves have developed. While they have become increasingly popular in the culinary world as a garnish adorning plates at fancy upscale restaurants, they pack a nutritious punch.
According to a study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” microgreens generally have higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts. The study found they can contain up to 40 times more nutrients by weight compared to the fully-grown plant. The study also found them to be a rich source of antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, which may contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals.
For Shaw, microgreens, with their fast growth and the small space needed for cultivating, were the perfect choice to reach his dream of owning a farm with organic and environmentally-friendly practices. “People want to know where their food comes from and to know there’s not a lot of things pumped into it,” he said. “The microgreens are nutrient-packed and a healthier option than what you can find in stores.”
Shaw’s own health history inspired a passion for clean eating. After taking horticulture classes at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, he honed his agricultural knowledge and opened Sleepy Dragon Greens. Right now, he grows four varieties of microgreens: broccoli, sunflower, pea and radish. The greens can be added to salads and sandwiches or blended into pesto or smoothies.
His own personal favorites are pea and his “crunchy mix,” a combination of a couple of his most popular microgreens.
“It has a slightly sweet taste but is still crunchy,’ he said. “Microgreens are really the best utility vegetable in my fridge.”
The business has quickly gained a loyal customer base. Customer Rob Pratt, who’s been on the company’s subscription service for three months, has made microgreens a part of his daily health regimen. A vegan and exercise enthusiast, he adds the greens to his morning smoothie. “I’ve tried them all and pea and sunflower go great in smoothies with pea protein, a little almond or cashew milk, chia seeds and spinach,” he said. “They’re always delivered on-time, are very fresh and taste great.”
With everyone making New Year resolutions, Shaw said Sleepy Dragon Greens can help local residents reach your health goals. “Sign up for a weekly subscription for five sets of crunchy mix, grill up five chicken breasts on Sunday, package them in the fridge and you have five lunches ready to go,’ he said.
Shaw envisions a future where Sleepy Dragon Greens expands to include other products, including farm-fresh eggs and other fruits and vegetables. He also hopes to sell harvest kits in the future and hold classes so residents can learn to make their own microgreens. “Getting started with microgreens is just an entry point that allowed us to get our foot in the ground and make a name for ourselves,” said Shaw. “When we’re ready to expand, we’ll have that jumping off point so we can continue to grow.”
For more information about Sleepy Dragon Greens or to learn more about ordering visit sleepydragongreens.com or call (813) 797-6177.