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FOOD
adult's recommended daily allowance
(RDA) of 1.5µg (micrograms) of
vitamin B12. This was the first vitamin
to be selected for biofortification at
Ro-Gro as it is a common deficiency,
particularly for those on a plantbased
diet.
Prof. Martin Warren, Chief
Scientific Officer at the Quadram
Institute - which jointly led the
underlying research - explains, "This
marks a thrilling advancement in
bolstering overall health and wellbeing through
acquiring sufficient
dietary intake of vitamin B12. We
require B12 to ensure the formation
of red blood cells and healthy
nerves, and as the vitamin plays
a key role in energy production,
good levels of the nutrient help
prevent persistent fatigue and
weakness. Given the propensity for
B12 deficiency among individuals,
particularly those adhering to plantbased
diets, ensuring adequate intake
is imperative. While supplements
are an option, obtaining essential
nutrients from whole foods is more
appealing and straightforward for
many. The emergence of biofortified
plants offers a promising avenue for
seamlessly meeting nutritional needs."
The pea shoots also contain
vitamins A, C and K, as well as
a source of fibre and protein,
all of which are important for a
healthy diet. Another bonus of
biofortified pea shoots retain
sufficient micronutrients to improve
human health.
Planet power
Ro-Gro operates a vertical indoor
farm, their ethos is to enable farming
methods that contribute to more
sustainable, healthier diets with
minimal environmental impact. The
green benefits of vertical farming
include an efficient use of space,
using less water than traditional
farming as it can be reused. The
benefit of farming within a contained
space also means that no pesticides
are required, and no fertiliser or soil
is needed.
Prof. Antony Dodd, Head of Cell
and Developmental Biology at the
John Innes Centre who conducted
research in his laboratory to deliver
this technology, explains further
saying, "Advances in understanding
of how plants interact with their
environments, including new
horticultural technologies such as
vertical farms that use aeroponics,
provides exciting opportunities
to produce crops that are more
nutritious, with less environmental
Ultrasonic
aeroponic
technology
developed by
LettUs Grow
uniquely enables
seedlings to be
nutritionally
'enhanced' with
a vitamin not
normally found
in plants.
impact. By combining expertise in
plant sciences, human nutrition
and horticultural engineering, we
are developing new approaches to
address nutritional deficiencies, at
relatively low cost."
Pea shoots are the first
biofortified product from Ro-Gro,
but the team has plans to continue to
develop further salad products with
added nutritional value.
Microgreens are becoming
increasingly popular with chefs and
the health-conscious population due
to their concentrated flavour and
antioxidants. Ro-Gro's Pea Shoots
with B12 are ideal for chefs or home
cooks looking to add nutrition,
elegance and
Available to retailers, chefs and
the hospitality sector, Ro-Gro B12
Pea Shoots will be available in 60g
punnets.
*To find out more about vitamin
B12 deficiency (also called folate
deficiency anaemia), CLICK HERE.
www.ro-gro.uk
GLOSSARY
Aeroponics - a method of growing
plants without soil. Instead, roots are
suspended in the air and irrigated
with a nutrient-dense mist. This
differs from hydroponics, where
plant roots are submerged in a
solution of water and nutrients.
Biofortified - Biofortification
is the process by which the
nutrient density of food crops is
increased through conventional
plant breeding, and/or improved
agronomic practices and/or modern
biotechnology without sacrificing
any characteristic that is preferred
by consumers or most importantly to
farmers (1)
Ultrasonic - Ultrasound shakes the
water until it creates lots of tiny
droplets, like a mist, which means
you don't need to use a nozzle and
means you can more effectively feed
a large area of plants