How to enhance taste and nutritional value through VF

Added on 09 January 2024

Stand out from the crowd

Recent years have seen a significant shift in consumer focus towards leading healthier lifestyles, particularly through eating nutrient-rich foods.

Consumers are focused on meals that are fresh, nutritious, and contain fruit and vegetables. To capitalise on this trend, caterers, businesses and suppliers should look at producing foods which are not only delicious, but that also carry health benefits.

How vertical farming can help

One way this can be achieved is by using vertical farming technology, which also gives businesses the added benefits of being able to optimise flavour profiles, as well as lower carbon emissions and a guaranteed yield. Crops are nutritious – not to mention mouth-wateringly tasty – and can be produced year-round in a biosecure environment.

We spoke to IGS’ Head of Science, Tanveer Khan PhD, about the ins and outs of how vertical farming can be used to alter crop taste and nutritional content, and when this might be useful.

How different lighting affects crops

IGS technology is built using a patented LED lighting system and uses factors such as humidity, temperature, and nutrient delivery, to grow crops. By optimising these elements, growers can dial in on the perfect flavours to really enhance the consumer experience.