In recent years, the intersection of technology and agriculture has brought about remarkable advancements in ensuring food security and promoting healthier dietary habits.

As we gear up to celebrate National “Eat More Fruits and Veggies” Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role that LED technology plays in enhancing the production of fruits and vegetables and celebrate those that grow them! LEDs not only promote faster growth, they can also enhance the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables by stimulating the production of key terpenes, vitamins and antioxidants. By harnessing the power of light, cultivators can tailor the growth conditions to optimize taste, yield, and other aspects of fruit and vegetable cultivation.

LED technology can tailor light spectra to mimic and enhance the natural sunlight required for plant growth, but what else can these spectrums achieve? Let’s explore how different LED spectrum colours influence the journey from seed to table.

UNDERSTANDING LED SPECTRUMS:

Before we dive in, let’s cover the basics. LEDs emit a spectrum of colours, each with a unique wavelength and energy. Through customization and adjustment of these colours, growers can manipulate plant growth in Controlled Environments.

Take a look at the primary colours in a typical spectrum below and their most common role in cultivation.

SPECTRUM IMPACT ON TASTE:

The spectrum of light exposure during cultivation can significantly influence the physical properties, flavour, and nutritional content of fruits and vegetables. For example:

-Red spectrum light enhances the accumulation of sugars and antioxidants, resulting in sweeter and more flavourful fruits.

-Blue spectrum light promotes the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, contributing to richer colours and deeper flavours in fruits and vegetables.

By adjusting the ratio of red to far-red light, growers can manipulate the phytochemical profile of plants, enhancing their nutritional value and taste. Wild eh!

SPOTLIGHT

Let’s shine a spotlight on Canadian-owned indoor vertical hydroponic farms that are not only enhancing food security, but also create local business opportunities.

Vertical Roots Canada is a small-medium commercial-scale hydroponic farm that consists of three locations in the area of Edmonton, Leduc, and St. Paul in Alberta, Canada. Let’s explore how Vertical Roots Canada is revolutionizing the way we access fresh produce and supporting our communities. Vertical Roots Canada facilities produce an average of 1200 heads of lettuce per week in their standard 24-bed system, under Aelius 60w LED Tubes. What sets them apart is their dedication to empowering local residents to grow using year-round hydroponic systems that create access to local fresh greens with maximized freshness and nutrients to their local communities with same-day harvest and delivery

Explore their unique recipes and discover how easy it is to incorporate in your everyday meals on their website: https://verticalroots.ca/eat-vertical-roots/

SPECTRUM IMPACT ON YIELD AND QUALITY:

LED spectrum colours and tech. also impact yield, quality, and other important aspects of crop production; optimal combinations of red and blue light have been shown to increase biomass accumulation, improve crop uniformity, and boost overall yield in indoor farming systems.

By fine-tuning the light spectrum throughout the growing cycle, growers can control plant morphology, optimize resource allocation, and mitigate common stress factors such as heat and drought. One of the biggest challenges in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption is reducing food waste caused by spoilage during storage and transportation. Different colour spectrums can influence the shelf life, texture, and appearance of fruits and vegetables, ensuring that they remain fresh and appealing to consumers. By fine-tuning these LED parameters, farmers can extend the shelf life of perishable produce, ensuring that more fruits and vegetables reach consumers’ plates instead of ending up in landfills.

From enhancing taste and flavour to optimizing yield and quality, the right combination of LED colour spectrums holds the key to a bountiful harvest and a healthier future for generations to come. So, the next time you bite into a sweet strawberry or savour a succulent tomato, remember the illuminating journey that began with the perfect balance of light.

HAPPY NATIONAL EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES DAY #AELIUSFAM

“Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day is celebrated on May 21. This is the perfect time for the availability of all our favourite fresh fruits and vegetables. Including fresh fruits and veggies in your diet is important for a healthy life.”