Ellicottville Greens

Ellicottville Greens

The freshest picks … year ‘round!

Is it a storage unit? A train car? A dumpster? Actually, that large rectangular unit at the Woods at Bear Creek is a refurbished shipping container that Ellicottville Greens has outfitted as a hydroponic farm to grow micro greens, leafy greens and herbs all year long.

In fact, there are currently two operational shipping containers, and owners Gabe Bialkowski and Sal LaTorre are in the process of refurbishing two more. “We’re planning to have 25 in total,” LaTorre explained. “We started out on the Castle Campus in Ellicottville, but we’re now operating at the Woods at Bear Creek site in Franklinville. We’re also serving the north towns of Buffalo with our container behind the Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville.”

Barely two years old, Ellicottville Greens has already become the largest sustainable vertical farm in western New York. What’s more, the small company is the only one growing vertical produce west of New York City and Boston, Mass. “We’re in a rural area,” LaTorre pointed out. “Our produce selection isn’t as good as what’s available in larger cities. People really enjoy the aspect of getting herbs and lettuce from a farm ‘year-round.”

Ellicottville Greens grows some of the best-tasting and most sought-after lettuce and herbs in the region, all grown using organic processes and chemical-free compounds. The company serves local restaurants, but unlike many farms, Ellicottville Greens does the majority of its business directly with customers who simply want a regular supply of delicious greens and fresh-pressed juices. Products can be ordered online at ellicottvillegreens.com and delivered within 75 miles of Ellicottville, shipped across the United States or picked up.

Whether one wants fresh Bibb lettuce for a special gathering or a regular supply on-hand for salads throughout the week, Ellicottville Greens has customizable ordering options to suit customers’ needs. Remote farm subscriptions are available from both the Ellicottville and Williamsville locations and start at $45. Half shares and full shares are available for one-month periods, or customers can order products a la carte online. A full share includes approximately five heads of lettuce per week and a variety pack of other herbs including basil, dill, cilantro and mint. 

According to LaTorre, “We sell a lot of Bibb and Butterhead lettuce. Our most popular herb is basil, especially in the wintertime. We’re growing 365 days a year, so we can produce crops during seasons when other farmers can’t.”

For LaTorre, his passion for indoor farming is a natural extension of his passion for the culinary arts, which was his background for several years. “I went to culinary school and was a chef for a time,” he explained. “I didn’t want to be in the kitchen anymore. I wanted to work with food on a deeper level, and I came across farming.”

Approximately a year and a half ago, Bialkowski approached LaTorre about becoming part of Ellicottville Greens, which was founded in October of 2018. “I thought it was pretty innovative,” LaTorre recalled. “I didn’t hesitate!”

Since then, the now three-man company has been attracting customers throughout the region who share their appreciation for food that’s grown responsibly and sustainably. The owners believe their business meets an important need and encourages consumers to reclaim their agency over where their food comes from and how it’s grown. According to LaTorre, most supermarket lettuce, greens and herbs sit for three to four weeks before a customer places them in his or her shopping cart. At Ellicottville Greens, the owners wait as long as possible to harvest— as close to the shipping or delivery date as possible. “I think we’ve been conditioned to not ask questions about where our food comes from,” said LaTorre. “I don’t think it’s a priority for most to think about how long it’s been since their food was harvested. We obviously asked ourselves that question!”

In fact, freshness is what makes Ellicottville Greens’ products so delicious and nutrient dense. LaTorre explained, “You lose two things when you buy in the grocery store: nutrients and shelf life. Our greens typically maintain three to four weeks of freshness in the refrigerator because they’re harvested so late.”

Ellicottville Greens is more than fresh lettuce, though. Other popular products include their fresh raw juices, such as the popular detox juice and microgreen lemonade. On the herb side, customers are clamoring for all different varieties of basil. “We grow a lot of Thai basil, and our Red Reuben basil, which is a deep purple and has a sweet nutty flavor, is really popular,” said LaTorre. “We also grow an Asian variety of spinach, which is smoother and creamier than most.”

LaTorre said the overall response to Ellicottville Greens has been overwhelmingly positive. “People absolutely love it!” he said. “I don’t think anyone has ever experienced the freshness we’re providing. We’re definitely shaking things up a little bit!”

To learn more about Ellicottville Greens, find them on the web at ellicottvillegreens.com or on Facebook and Instagram. For questions, message Ellicottville Greens on their social media pages or email ellicottvillegreens@gmail.com.

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Brenda Perks is the owner, editor and designer of ellicottvilleNOW and owner of DesignPerks, a graphic design company affiliated with the local media/marketing agency, PandaGoat Media. You can reach Brenda at brenda@ellicottvillenow.com.