As part of the environmental directed study,  students have engaged in various environmental and sustainable practices across the campus. One of these activities includes hydroponic tower gardening, an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of gardening. There are currently two serviced towers on the upper school campus; one tower supports the growth of leafy greens, – such as Romaine lettuce, arugula, and Thai and Genovese basil – while the other grows fruit bearing plants, such as melon, tomatoes and bush beans.

With the goal of comparing the differences between store-bought and home-grown produce, two blind taste tests were conducted: one comparing hydroponic-grown arugula to store bought arugula, while the other compared home-grown watermelon to cucumber. 

The results for the arugula taste test were as follows: out of the 8 surveyed sophomore students, 6 students expressed their preference for the cafeteria lettuce, while 2 preferred the hydroponic-grown arugula. Based on the observations, most participants were not used to the strong taste of grown arugula, explaining that it was much more “bitter,” “sour,” and had a stronger “depth of flavor”. We believe the preference for the tamed flavor of the store-bought arugula stems from the participants’ exposure to these less powerful flavors on a more consistent basis. As shown in the image above, the home grown arugula was much darker and had much thicker stems. 

The second test was a comparison between our homegrown watermelon (shown on the left) and store-bought arugula. As evidenced by the image provided, the watermelon was not ripe enough to be compared to a regular watermelon (which takes around 80+ days to grow) – as the test would surely favor the ripe store-bought produce. In fact, when we cut into the watermelon it was green and resembled a similar color, texture, and smell as cucumber. Hence, we decided to facilitate a blind taste test between our watermelon and a cafeteria cucumber. Out of a group of 15 sophomores and juniors, 11 preferred the watermelon, while 4 preferred the store-bought cucumber. Many stated that the watermelon had a nicer, sweeter taste than the simple cucumber. 

So, what is the difference between the hydroponic grown plants and the store-bought produce? A report by Nature Tech explains that home-grown hydroponic produce may actually possess greater nutritional benefits than the store bought produce we often consume. Because we are able to monitor and adjust the EC (electrical conductivity) and pH of the solution sustaining the hydroponic plants, we are able to tailor the environment to the optimal conditions: because of this, the towers are able to produce plants that are richer in antioxidants and vitamins than their store-bought counterparts.

Additionally, the produce from our hydroponic gardens is much fresher and more natural than regular store-bought items, as no pesticides or chemicals are used within our harvesting process. 

In conclusion, the taste test revealed that although some may prefer the taste of the store-bought produce, almost all participants felt that the hydroponic grown items were more flavorful and fresher. This reflects the benefits of growing hydroponic plants, as we seek to produce more environmentally friendly, healthier, more flavorful produce.