Grow Fresh Vegetables for Restaurants
Learning to grow fresh vegetables for restaurants is a great way to make some extra money and contribute to a local food movement. Restaurants are using fresh, local ingredients more than ever. Using locally grown produce not only results in delicious cuisine but also creates a sense of community pride. If you already grow vegetables, or simply have a green thumb and some extra space, start your own vegetable farm. Growing vegetables for restaurants requires commitment to quality, time and a little hard work.
Instructions
1. Speak with restaurant chefs and owners in your area. Find out what fresh vegetables they use most often. Ask whether they are looking for anything in particular. Do they prefer organically grown vegetables? Would they buy locally if they could? Be sure to ask about the quantities of produce each restaurant needs. You don't want to find yourself not able to produce enough vegetables to meet the restaurant's needs.
2. Look for emerging trends in food magazines. Find out what fresh vegetables chefs across the country are cooking with and see whether those vegetables will grow in your area. Chefs like to distinguish themselves with their creations. Try to offer quirky, hard-to-find produce. Check to see what heirloom varieties you can grow
3. Plant your vegetables accordingly. Develop a plan to ensure you can meet quantities and keep the soils fresh. Keep in mind when seasonal vegetable should be planted and harvested. Make sure you are in compliance with all federal and state regulations. If marketing your vegetables as organic, adhere to all organic qualifications. Some restaurants require that you are USDA certified.
4. Determine pricing. Take into consideration costs for seeds, soil and equipment. Factor in your labor, packaging and delivery costs. Keep detailed records of all purchases and sales. Create an invoice template. Make sure to account for sales and business taxes.
5. Develop a sales packet. Write a page about who you are and why you are providing locally grown produce. Include a pricing sheet. Note whether you will honor special requests and any other services you can provide. It is a good idea to leave a few fresh vegetables with the restaurant when presenting your sales packet.
Tags: Find what, Find what fresh, fresh vegetables, Fresh Vegetables, fresh vegetables, Fresh Vegetables Restaurants