Based in Offenham near Evesham, an area renowned for its growing qualities, Barry and his team nurture over 3 ½ acres of micro-greens. Housed in custom built glasshouses featuring innovative technology, young versions of traditional greens and herbs are grown to exact specifications to ensure their intense flavour and tender texture.
Red Tractor accredited, Westland Nursery is as environmentally responsible as possible, from reusing water for irrigation and utilising natural pest controls to trialing new types of recycled matting, with the aim to find 100% compostable mats. As Operational Manager, Barry is responsible for maintaining the nursery’s high standards and ensuring optimum growing conditions are sustained.
The whole growing process, which can take anything from 8 to 38 days, is entirely automated providing consistent quality. Seeds are primed and then automatically sown on matting,which is moved to a mobile bench system. This system allows mobility for the seedlings, to and from dedicated sections throughout the glasshouse. A computerised machine then harvests once the plants have reached the required height before being packed in punnets, cooled and delivered to Pauleys.
Barry loves his job and working in such an innovative environment. He is particularly partial to Red Mustard Frills with their striking, mottled red leaves and fiery mustard notes. “I like to add a few micro-greens to a gammon or beef sandwich, you don’t have to add much to get the full flavour.”
Making it micro
The beauty of micro-greens is that there is no waste and due to their intense flavour, only small amounts are required to add pizzazz to a dish. See our serving suggestions below.
Red Basil C 450175 – 1 x 50g
This rich red micro-green is packed with peppery and spicy flavours. Try stirring in to pasta with a sauce just after cooking while it’s still hot or simply sprinkle a few leaves over the top. The intense flavour means it is excellent for making red pesto.
Red Mustard Frills C 450176 – 1 x 50g
The red mustard frills have a striking red blushed appearance and an intense mustard taste. Try with cold beef dishes rather than horseradish or add to salads for a unique flavour.
Garlic Chives C 450177 – 1 x 50g
These garlic chives combine the delicate flavour of onion with a delicious blast of garlic. They taste fantastic in creamy mashed potato, quiches & tarts. They also make a great alternative to spring onions.
Amaranth C 450178 – 1 x 50g
An opulent red micro-green with a mild beetroot like flavour; adds stunning colour to dishes. Amaranth is ideal with grilled fish and seafood.
Salad Rocket C 74585 – 1 x 50g
These loveheart shaped leaves have a peppery and nutty taste. Salad rocket is fantastic on top of stone baked pizzas or stirred into pasta dishes. Dress with extra virgin olive oil & fresh Parmesan for a great accompaniment to fresh, grilled fish.
Red Chard C 74587 – 1 x 50g
Mild flavour and juicy texture, the red stems contrast with the bright green leaves. Try it added to a buerre blanc or to a stir fry at the last minute.
Pea Shoots C 74584 – 1 x 50g
All the wonderful flavour of peas fresh from the pod. Pea shoots are a great addition to a stir fry, try serving them with fish & chips or simply dress in olive oil & lemon juice.
Celery Leaf C 74586 – 1 x 50g
Beautiful leaves with a powerful celery taste. Add a few leaves to homemade coleslaw or as a garnishing for soups, also tastes great with cheese.
