The Bronx sets a modern record for non-hydroponic urban agriculture!
What started out back in 2014 with less than ten community gardens growing 100 lbs of serrano peppers for The Bronx Hot Sauce has exploded to a record-breaking 1,500 pound harvest this year—a 1,500% increase thanks to 28 participating Bronx community gardens this year according to a press release issued by the company.
If you haven’t tried the hot sauce, you don’t know what you’re missing if you’re a lover of all things spicy and fiery. From the markets throughout Arthur Avenue to Whole Foods and hotels in Manhattan, to hundreds of other locations throughout the tri-state area, you can easily pick up a bottle.
But what’s even better than The Bronx Hot Sauce itself is the model and concept behind it.
The company provides the seeds free of charge to local community gardens and once the harvest is ready for pick up, they purchase it at premium prices providing the gardens with necessary funds to continue their operations.
According to a press release, “The community gardens are such vibrant and overlooked treasures in the City” said John A. Crotty, Senior VP at The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce. “We are really satisfied that a model that helps create a dedicated funding stream for these treasures is working. The Hot Sauce’s award winning taste comes from the tender care each of the gardens and gardeners put into growing each plant.”
“There are so many great things happening in the Bronx to support local agriculture and the collaboration behind the production of The Bronx Hot Sauce is a key part of that ongoing success,” said Commissioner Richard Ball of the New York State Agriculture. “It’s a great example of the benefits that come from working together. We are proud to offer The Bronx Hot Sauce in several Taste NY stores across the state and in Puerto Rico to promote this terrific project and further connect the Upstate and Downstate regions through agriculture. We join the community gardens and The Bronx Hot Sauce in celebrating in this tremendous milestone and look forward to seeing even more peppers planted next season.”
“The Bronx Hot Sauce puts the spirit of the Bronx in a bottle. Bronx peppers, grown by Bronx farmers, benefiting Bronx community gardens” said Marcel Van Ooyen, President and CEO at GrowNYC. “We are so thrilled to be part of something great for our community.”
And it truly is a great thing when people of all ages and walks of life can come together to create a wonderful product, so of course, what better place than The Bronx to do all of that?
I think everyone who has some land in The Bronx whether it’s their own home or
Now go and support this initiative and buy some Bronx Hot Sauce!
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