TVM couple develops superfood, claims it's cancer preventive

A couple from Thiruvananthapuram has made a significant income by cultivating microgreens, a superfood touted for its cancer-preventative properties. Kerala became aware of microgreens cultivation – a simple, home-based method that also promotes nutritional security – during the Covid-19 pandemic. The couple, employed government officials, have turned it into a successful business venture.

Suneshan and his wife Shaikath, residing in Mettamoode, Avalunnivilangathu Veettil, explain that their microgreen cultivation, initially started for home use during the pandemic, expanded due to high demand. Today, their venture, 'Forty X Leaves,' is a leading microgreen enterprise in the state capital. The name 'Forty X Leaves' reflects the fact that microgreens contain 40 times more nutrients than regular leafy vegetables. Their cultivation setup involves three shelves in a refrigerated room, each filled with trays of various seeds and growing media.

Microgreen cultivation isn't like growing vegetables on a rooftop. High-quality microgreens can only be grown indoors. Since sunlight isn't available indoors, artificial lighting (LED lights are sufficient) is necessary. Shaikath points out that the nutrients in the seeds and photosynthesis help the microgreens grow, making them highly nutritious once harvested.

Cultivation method:
The process involves preparing conditions for seed germination and growth for 12-14 days. Seeds from various vegetables, including spinach to broccoli, can be used, as well as sunflower and wheat. Commercially viable microgreen varieties are available from Bangalore and other places, and online. The seeds are sown in coco peat spread on trays in a room with 10 hours of daily LED light. The coco peat is kept moist. The harvest is ready in 12-14 days.

They currently produce 15 varieties, including wheatgrass. Suneshan mentions that wheatgrass juice, mixed with lemon juice and honey, is beneficial for lifestyle diseases and skin beauty. The most striking variety in Forty X Leaves is Amaranthus Red Garnet. Other varieties include cabbage, purple cabbage, purple radish, white radish, bok choy, China rose radish, broccoli, beetroot, classic palak spinach, and Italian basil.

They utilize a subscription model to reach customers, currently serving 200 regular subscribers. Different packages of microgreens are offered for various health needs, including diabetes prevention, heart health, cancer prevention, hormone balance, liver protection, and weight loss. The subscription provides an 80-gram pack weekly, with a minimum six-week subscription cost of ₹1,299 (prices vary depending on the variety). The minimum annual subscription is ₹6,499. Non-subscription purchases are also available, with 50-gram packs starting at ₹150, and 50-gram wheatgrass packs priced at ₹200. Their farm in Pravachambalam, Mottamoode, produces 1200 packs monthly. They also sell microgreens from three franchise farms in Nalanchira and Ullur under the Forty X Leaves brand. They employ six people for packaging and distribution.

Why are they a superfood?
Microgreens are considered superfoods due to their high nutrient density. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, beta-carotene, and enzymes. Polyphenols, which help prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are another key component. Consuming just 20 grams of microgreens daily provides sufficient vitamins and minerals. They are best consumed in salads or sprinkled over dishes; cooking reduces nutrient value.
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