Revolutionizing hospitality with hyperlocal indoor farming
In the picturesque setting of the Nuuksio National Park in Southern Finland, a remarkable innovation is taking root – vertical farming. Designed specifically for the hospitality and retail sectors, the Herby® indoor farming appliance is transforming how hotels, restaurants, and even research laboratories source their high-value fresh ingredients. By enabling the cultivation of herbs, leafy greens, edible flowers, and berries year-round, regardless of location, hotel Haltia Lake Lodge is leading the charge towards sustainable, self-sufficient food production.
How Indoor Farming Appliances Work
The beauty of the Herby® indoor farming system lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Here’s a closer look at how it operates:
Nutrient-rich irrigation: At the heart of the system is a revolutionary irrigation system that delivers a nutrient-rich water mixture into the plants roots using a fine water mist. This mist is essential for nourishing the plants with the right amount of water and nutrients while keeping the water well oxygenated.
Fogponic irrigation: The nutrient solution is is turned into a fine fog that is circulated inside a closed root chamber where the plants roots reside. This fogponic method ensures that the roots receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen, promoting rapid and healthy growth. Originally developed by NASA for future long-duration space missions, fogponic is said to be the most efficient irrigation method for water-based farming.
Recycling water system: After nourishing the roots, the fog is guided back down into the tank, creating a closed-loop system. This not only conserves water but also ensures that the plants have a consistent supply of nutrients.
Optimized lighting: A single pair of vertically oriented LED grow lights provides the necessary light spectrum for plant growth. These LEDs are energy-efficient and can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of different crops.
Advanced monitoring and optimization: The Herby® devices are equipped with a range of sensors and advanced technology that monitor and optimize the growing conditions. These sensors track parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light, adjusting the environment to ensure optimal growth conditions for each type of plant being cultivated.
Benefits for the hospitality and research industries
The integration of vertical farming modules into hospitality and research settings offers numerous benefits:
Year-round freshness: Regardless of the season or geographical location, Herby® allows for the cultivation of fresh produce year-round. For hotels and restaurants, this means the highest-quality ingredients no matter the time of year. For laboratory researchers, this means even-quality ingredients with optimal values that can be optimized based on research goals.
Sustainability: By growing produce on-site, establishments can reduce their carbon footprint associated packaging and logistics. This aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable practices within the hospitality and research industries.
Cost ffficiency: Over time, growing produce in-house can reduce the costs associated with purchasing and transporting fresh herbs and greens. This system also minimizes waste, as produce can be harvested on-demand.
Enhanced guest experience: For hotels and restaurants, offering dishes made with freshly harvested ingredients can enhance the dining experience, adding a unique and sustainable touch that guests are sure to appreciate. Additionally, by growing the ingredients where the customers can see them, restaurants and hotels are able to include Herby® into their storytelling, offering the customers a unique twist.
A glimpse into the future of food production
The adoption of indoor vertical farming at hotel Haltia Lake Lodge is more than just a trend; it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable food production. As more establishments recognize the benefits of this technology, we can expect to see a growing number of hotels, restaurants, and research centers embracing vertical farming to enhance their operations and commitment to sustainability.
In conclusion, Haltia Lake Lodge's use of vertical farming modules exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. By growing their own fresh produce on-site, they not only improve the quality and freshness of their offerings but also contribute to a more sustainable and self-sufficient future for the industry.
