What’s Growing in the High Tunnels?
Wondering what’s growing in the UNH Hospitality Services High Tunnels? We were surprised to see the Farm to YoU NH run greenhouses full of tall, abundant plants. A much different landscape than just a few weeks ago at the beginning of the growing season.
In the first tunnel we found a wall of half-sized hybrid melons, summer squash, cucumbers, tomatillos, green tomatoes beginning to ripen, and unique purple grape tomatoes. The second tunnel had Thai peppers, a cauliflower variety, rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena, and yellow sprouts. In the outside gardens we found strawberries, cabbage, corn, beans, squash, and garlic.
The Assistant Director of Culinary Todd Sweet, and Chefs Kevin Jacques, Zachary Marshall, and Jonathan Saiff talked with Farm to YoU NH staff about their plans for produce. Once the vegetables are fully ripe they’re served at the Dairy Bar and in Holloway Commons for summer recipes.
Since the height of the produce growing season varies from UNH’s academic year, a lot of items will be dried to use in the future. Herbs will be turned into spice mixes, peppers will be used in sauces such as mole poblano and salsa verde and garlic is pickled to preserve for the fall. Our chefs were excited about the colorful variety of radishes grown, and the tropical leafy greens. Look forward to enjoying healthy, delicious and sustainable dishes in the Dining Halls and Cafes and Stores!
