“King of herbs”: Future Crops vertically cultivates high-yield basil variety

16 Feb 2022 --- Dutch start-up Future Crops will accelerate the output of a high-yielding, aromatic basil variety which has been specially adapted for cultivation in a vertical farm. This “super” variety also boasts a long shelf life.

“Under ideal conditions, our basil kept fresh for more than 18 days, which is about 7 to 10 days longer than the average basil. All this, without any use of pesticide or harmful product,” Gary Grinspan, CEO and co-founder of Future Crops tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“As basil is very sensitive to even slight climate changes, any change in temperature throughout the supply chain could strongly impact its shelf life. We guarantee 14 days shelf life, which is on average 4-7 days longer than other basil available on the market.”

The proprietary seeds for this pesticide-free basil were developed at the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) for the European market. 

The team developed a number of different herb seed varieties via this method. The start-up has finalized negotiations with the ARO Institute to purchase exclusive licensing rights to these seeds for commercialization worldwide.

Labor of love to grow basil
Basil, known as the “king of herbs,” is one of three top herbs marketed in Europe alongside mint and coriander. The herb’s aromatic qualities make it a favorite in the culinary world while its soft delicate leaves make it challenging to cultivate.

“Our goal was breeding varieties that would best fit the novel vertical farming paradigm. Our breakthrough in sequencing the basil genome gave us the modern molecular tools for developing cultivars imbued with very specific desired genetic characteristics, says Nativ Dudai, PhD, head of The Unit of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and developer of the basil variety. 

Using the agronomical know-how, seed bank and database of Dudai basil seeds harboring all the desired traits were selected and brought together via a process of natural breeding in order to create the perfect seed for cultivation in a vertical farm. This was achieved without genetic modifications or editing. 

The herb needs five hours of sunshine daily in a warm, temperate, subtropical climate. Basil is sensitive to cold. In addition, basil has a very short shelf life because its leaves wilt easily. 

“We searched for such traits as resilience to environmental stressors, yield capabilities, as well as flavor and textural properties. Most of the basil varieties today have been developed to grow outdoors in open fields as well as green houses," explains Dudai.The seeds for this basil variety have been developed for the European market.

Dudai is considered a prominent global figure in the mapping, breeding and development of basil varieties. His research team was the first in the world to sequence the whole sweet basil genome.

Future Crops is leveraging data-driven tech to create the ideal environmental conditions for crops to thrive within a highly controlled, automated structure. The company runs supply contracts with a leading grocery retailer in the Netherlands and with additional retailers in Europe.

Measuring up to Genovese basil
Future Crops grows a range of basil varieties, including cinnamon, lemon, lime and Thai basil. With a focus on the retail and foodservice sectors, the company says it is also targeting food producers, especially makers of pesto.

The most renowned Genovese basil is grown in Liguria region in Italy (Genoa city) mainly due to ideal climate conditions and traditional (manually) growing techniques. 

“We succeeded to create a taste profile very close, if not similar, to Genovese Basil grown in Liguria, with a consistent profile throughout the whole year, including the cold winters of Holland,” Grispan explains.

“Our basil has received excellent feedback from Genoa residents, who claim it to be as good as the globally renowned Genovese basil,” Grinspan adds. 

Genovese basil is considered to be the gold standard in basil cultivation, unmatched in quality and flavor, and a favorite of pesto producers. The company was able to supply a premium pesto brand with basil during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This proved instrumental in reducing waste while enabling us to provide high-quality products at a reasonable cost, thus using 100% of the crop and contributing to sustainable sourcing and farming. Moreover, it also helped soften the economic impact of the pandemic on our client.”

Climate-controlled growing techniquesFuture Crops basil is grown in a solar powered vertical farm.
Future Crops developed ideal climate conditions for its basil allowing it to thrive year-round regardless of cold weather. The basil is grown in a 2000 square meter, solar powered vertical farm, on a nutrient-enriched soil-like substrate under all cultivation parameters such as light, temperature, wind and humidity.

“Plants behave very differently in closed environments versus in an open field. We are constantly observing and tuning into their growth needs to mimic the outdoor field ambience as much as possible,” adds Grinspan. 

Due to the precision technology, Future Crops’ basil has nearly tripled in yield over the last three years and boasts a shelf life that stretches over two weeks under optimum storage conditions. 

“It also possesses a distinctive, appealing flavor and fragrance that captivates chefs and is completely free of pesticides,” says Grinspan.

UK-based John Innes Centre is teaming up with LettUs Grow, a start-up engineering novel indoor farm hardware and software to grow a variety of crops using aeroponics. Vertical farms are free from the pressures created by extremes and variations in weather, isolated from pests and allows crop growth at a broader range of latitudes.

By Inga de Jong