DOBBS FERRY, NY - When digging into Row 7 Seed Company, the foundation brings to mind an artist learning to craft the materials they use to better create the art they envision. Founded by Chef Dan Barber, the company works alongside chefs, plant breeders, and farmers to co-select new and uniquely delicious varieties of vegetables, striving to make ingredients taste better, literally, from the seed. And the formula is proving itself in its latest expansion.
Row 7 partners with regional organic farmers to bring its line of vegetables to the produce aisle, elevating and celebrating regional organic growers in order to allow the most flavorful vegetables to come to market. Now that availability will expand westward.
“Since our Boston, Massachusetts, pilot program in the fall of 2022, Row 7’s vegetable program has increased to 100 Whole Foods Markets throughout the Northeast, and we have plans to expand the brand to the West Coast in 2024. We are bringing uniquely delicious varieties to the market, including Badger Flame beets, Sweet Garleek, Upstate Abundance potatoes, Honeypatch and Koginut squash,” Liz Mahler, Chief Operations Officer, shared.
Sweet Garleek in particular—an innovation which marries the sweetness of leeks with the mild, savory notes of garlic—was introduced as a new culinary staple to Whole Foods Market shoppers after creating some buzz on menus throughout New York this past September, including those of Atla Eleven Madison Park.
“In Whole Foods Market stores, giving shoppers a taste of Sweet Garleek has created real moments of excitement and trial to bring it home and try it in their kitchens,” Charlotte Douglas, President, explained, adding that Row 7 takes a participatory approach to innovation, partnering with over 50 plant breeders and over 150 chefs and farmers to trial and co-select new varieties, all that are uniquely delicious.
“We’re seeking varieties that have culinary distinction and enable effortless flavor for the home chef. Row 7 is pursuing deliciousness, but it goes way beyond flavor. Many of our crops are more nutritious because flavor and nutrition often go hand in hand. They are also bred to thrive in organic growing systems,” Douglas concluded.
Clearly, there is more on the horizon as the company explores a new way to elevate fresh food for both foodservice and retail.
With an exciting 2024 ahead, AndNowUKnow will report the latest.
