Farm-to-table dining in Brooklyn is more localized than many residents realize, thanks to innovative hydroponic farming methods. Farm One, located in Prospect Heights, operates without traditional soil, tractors or direct sunlight. Instead, plants are cultivated in dark rooms that simulate underground conditions before being transferred to specialized tanks designed to support their growth.
"The plants absorb what they need, and any excess nutrients are returned to the reservoir," said Kate Lodvikov, co-director of farming. Farm One grows more than 300 plant varieties in its vertical garden, supplying fresh produce to restaurants across Brooklyn.
"A restaurant contacts us, we harvest and then that day, you'll see the greens on the plate," said co-director of farming Dan Hubel. "Many people assume we only grow large quantities of basil, but our farm is far more diverse."
In addition to supplying restaurants, Farm One integrates its harvest into its neighboring brewery, where ingredients such as mint are infused into specialty beers. One notable offering is a watermelon mint sour ale.
Read more at Brooklyn News 12