Growing crops typically requires several essential resources, including soil, access to sunlight, ample space, and a significant amount of time. The Syrup Room design studio has pioneered a groundbreaking technology that automates indoor crop growth, like nutritious microgreens and mushrooms.
The CROP device, about the size of a microwave, can identify the type of seeds sown and adapt its surroundings to establish ideal growth conditions. This encompasses energy-efficient lighting and efficient water management. The system also monitors the development of the growing process. Additionally, its front door features an electronic frosting film, which, if desired, can obscure the growing process.
Fundamentally, CROP functions by recognizing the specific seeds or spores you introduce into its system and customizing the ideal growth conditions accordingly. It incorporates advanced technology, featuring precise control over lighting and moisture to guarantee optimal growth. All you need to do is introduce the seeds or spores, fill the reservoir with water, and let CROP handle the rest.
Josh Kay – The Syrup Room’s Founder
This technology assists users in obtaining essential nutrients they might not obtain through other means.
Produce purchased from stores frequently experiences a reduction in nutrient content due to factors like transportation, storage, and the time that has passed since harvesting.
“With CROP, you can harvest your microgreens and mushrooms just when you’re prepared to enjoy them, ensuring the preservation of maximum nutrients. These nutrients encompass vital vitamins such as C, E, and K, along with essential minerals and antioxidants.”
Microgreens
A primary motivation behind developing this technology was the founders’ fascination with microgreens, for which the technology is exceptionally well-optimized.
Microgreens are the tender vegetable greens harvested shortly after their initial true leaves have sprouted.
They are essentially the juvenile counterparts of fully grown plants. Bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and an abundance of nutrients, microgreens have demonstrated higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants in comparison to their mature counterparts. These nutrients have the potential to enhance immune function, decrease inflammation, and offer a wide range of health advantages.
The CROP technology is perfectly designed for cultivating microgreens. “CROP offers a controlled environment that eliminates the variability introduced by external conditions. This consistency in light, humidity, and temperature is especially beneficial for microgreens, which are highly responsive to external factors and can significantly enhance their growth.”
Through its subscription package, CROP provides consumers with custom-tailored microgreens that align with their dietary preferences.
Mushrooms
CROP is also an excellent choice for cultivating a diverse range of mushrooms. As Kay explained, “Mushrooms flourish in low-light environments and demand precise humidity levels. CROP’s capability to sustain these particular conditions guarantees a bountiful and reliable mushroom yield.”
What advantages do these various types of mushrooms offer? Cultivating specialty mushrooms, whether for their potential health benefits or gourmet culinary uses, can be advantageous for personal consumption.
As for mushrooms with psychoactive properties, the legality and ethical considerations can be intricate and differ by location. If it falls within the legal framework, CROP can provide a custom growth profile designed to accommodate the specific growth requirements of these particular mushrooms.
Growing in an Urban Environment
In 2021, according to Statista, 84.15% of England’s population resided in urban areas. Numerous individuals in urban settings lack access to the essential resources needed for cultivating their vegetables. However, CROP provides the opportunity for urban dwellers to cultivate mushrooms and microgreens in the comfort of their homes.
CROP is specifically engineered for compact spaces, making it an ideal choice for urban settings where outdoor gardening space might be scarce.
Through the cultivation of their own microgreens and mushrooms, urban residents can guarantee they are enjoying fresh, pesticide-free, and nutrient-dense produce, thus fostering a healthier dietary regimen.
Although the current emphasis is on individual users, CROP holds the potential to extend its application in the future to support communal food production. As Kay noted, “While the initial focus may centre on individual users, the possibility of scaling up CROP for communal purposes aligns with the mission of facilitating widespread access to healthy food. Collaboration with social housing initiatives could turn this vision into a reality down the road.”
