New Natives Organic Sprouts
Ken Kimes and Sandra Ward
PO Box 1413
Freedom, CA 95019
831.728.4136
www.newnatives.com
ken@newnatives.com
Markets: Aptos
Products: Eight varieties of organic microgreens and several mixes, using only organically grown non-GMO seeds for all products. Find exotic mushrooms (oysters, shitake) from Ortiz Mushroom Farm at Ken and Sandra’s booth too.
History/Philosophy: Since 1980, Ken and Sandra have been growing organic microgreens, a “super-food” that comes in many textures and flavors. Microgreens are plants between seven and ten days old that have sprouted from seed, but don't yet have true leaves. Despite their small size, ounce for ounce, microgreens provide more nutrients than any other natural food. They are delicious in salads and sandwiches.
New Natives received their organic certification from CCOF way back in 1983. The farm, nestled in a valley on 5-acres off Hames Road in Corralitos, uses only certified organic seed. Sandra and Ken have developed partnerships with organic farmers to grow seeds for them for sprouting. Through these partnerships New Natives is helping other small family farmers to prosper.
Sunflower Greens is New Native’s most popular product. They supply microgreens to many area natural foods stores, juice bars and restaurants. Their farm produces several other microgreens including, arugula, broccoli, cilantro, daikon radish, pea shoots, wheatgrass, buckwheat lettuce, and a mixed variety of lentils and beans. At the farmers market, you can choose among several interesting mixes of tasty greens.
New Natives offers sprouting workshops for people who wish to grow sprouts at home. “We love to teach people about sprouting. It’s a fun and easy thing to do at home with the kids,” said Sandra. Instructions for growing microgreens can be found at on their website at http://www.newnatives.com/growing.html.
Workers: 8 full-time, year round employees.
Certifications: Organic certified by CCOF
Professional Memberships: CAFF (Community Alliance with Family Farmers), International Sprout Growers Association.
Farmland: 1/4 acre of intensely farmed greenhouse in Corralitos
Soil: We make our own soil, a potting soil and compost mixture with no animal manure. Our operation is all vegan.
Weed Control: No weeds.
Pest Management: Non toxic, organic materials only, but really almost no pests.
Water Use: We use tested well water from our property and micro-sprinklers.
