By Julia Howard
It’s 4:00 pm on a February evening in Latham, and the temperature is falling. Mahbub Rahman, his wife Irin Naher, and their three children, Masrur, Haniam, and Surah, hurry to cover flowers growing in their hoop house. They carefully lay tarps over ranunculus, snapdragons, tulips, and other flower varieties. They will bring these flowers to farmers’ markets beginning in May.
The family works together to support their farm and holistic wellness business, Perfect Plant Farm, a NY State Grown and Certified farm. The farm participates in Agricultural Environmental Management and is free of chemicals and pesticides.
Their products include microgreens, seasonal flowers, potted succulents, and ready-to-eat foods like microgreen smoothies, salads, soups, and rice dishes.
“Our goal is to make and grow real food for good health because everyone should have the right to be healthy,” explained Rahman.
Microgreens are a crucial part of what is produced at Perfect Plant Farm as they contain 4-40% more nutrients than mature vegetables and herbs typically consumed. The tiny greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vibrant flats of microgreens are available from the farm at weekend farmers’ markets in Saratoga.
“It is very important to understand what foods support our health needs because we are all different,” said Rahman. “What makes your body happy is different from mine.”
The family also promotes their holistic business, Irin Wellness. Naher, a licensed holistic health professional, offers personal nutrition consultation. “The goal is to help people to make the right food choices,” explained Rahman.
Perfect Plant Farm supports the understanding that food should be delicious and healing. They bring lentil soup with vegetables, herbs, and lemon, chicken and rice take-home meals, spring rolls, rice pudding, vegetarian pakora (fritters), and more.
“We really enjoy offering our food at farmers’ markets,” said Rahman. “It’s where real people come to shop, the food is the best, and it helps the community,” he added.
You can also find Perfect Plant Farm at the Spa City and Colonie Farmers’ Market. This summer, they will also attend the Clifton Park Farmers’ Market. Their products are available for pick-up in Latham by preordering by email at perfectplantfarm@gmail.com and by phone at (646)591-6046. Ask about their CSA shares to save on prepared food, flowers, and microgreens.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
