The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is to debut new produce this fall in a revitalized version of its CropBox – a sustainable, self-contained, on-site growing system.
The ‘grown on-site menu’ now includes tomatoes, edible flowers and baby zucchini along with an increased production of assorted micro-greens. As the first resort with a CropBox on property, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has grown more than 7,000 heads of lettuce over the past year, vastly reducing waste and harvesting only what is needed for the property and its guests. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has focused on making the produce available to its dining options while the brand as a whole moves towards more and more sustainably sourced food and beverage operations.
Using the latest technology in precision farming, with a hydroponic vertical growing system, the CropBox brings sustainable on-site crops to Naples with the goal of providing guests with the finest and freshest ingredients. The resort’s CropBox, aptly named “The Grow House,” allows the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to provide impossibly fresh and pristine produce each season, with the capacity to grow over an acre of crops within the 320 sq. ft. container.
The Grow House focuses on climate sensitive crops that, otherwise, would have to be purchased and transported to The Ritz Carlton Resorts of Naples. It differs from gardens and greenhouses because it is a 100 percent fully controlled environment where non-native crops, such as lettuce, can fully thrive in an area they typically would not. After a successful inaugural year, with crops including Bibb and romaine lettuce, cilantro, arugula, spinach, cabbage and assorted micro-greens, the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is excited to offer an increased selection of produce grown on the luxury resort grounds to guests.
“Over the past year, we have seen immense benefits of utilizing The Grow House on property,” said George Fistrovich, executive chef for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples. “I look forward to expanding the crops grown on-site each year and incorporating the new flavors in the dishes offered on property.”
These highly flavorful crops may be enjoyed in The Grill, the resort’s classic steakhouse where the menu includes dry-aged beef as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free selections.
