Transform they way you cook and garden with LG's new herb-growing fridge.
LG Just Debuted a Fridge That Will Grow Your Leafy Greens
Updated on Jan. 09, 2024
Growing your own indoor garden might be easier than you think, thanks to a brand-new, futuristic appliance from LG. The first-ever home gardening cultivator debuted last month at CES 2020, a national trade show that showcases the latest and greatest innovations in consumer technologies. Unlike an extra fridge, this device enables you to grow your own herbs and leafy greens indoors!
How Does It Work?
The column cultivator controls light, humidity, water and temperature to creating the perfect environment so that even non-green thumb folks can grow fresh, delicious greens. It’s designed to be installed alongside a full-size refrigerator, giving you the benefit of knowing and controlling exactly where your food is coming from. The vegetables come in “all-in-one seed packages” and are available in different varieties of lettuces and herbs including romaine, chicory, basil and arugula. A smartphone app works as a companion/helper to ensure a successful harvest for you.
Change the Way You Eat
When fresh greens are readily available, you’re more likely to make healthy choices and improve your overall diet. Leafy greens are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating them two or three times a week can prevent cancer and heart disease. Plus, using the cultivator gives you peace of mind knowing your veggies are free of chemicals. (We still recommend washing your greens before eating ’em, though.)
Is It in Stores Yet?
LG hasn’t told us when the vegetable cultivator will be released or how much it will cost, but you can assume it won’t be cheap. The cultivator will be part of LG’s luxury Signature Kitchen Suite brand. For comparison, a Signature Kitchen Suite 42-inch built-in refrigerator retails at $9,799. We can’t wait to see one in action.
If you’d prefer to go the traditional route, make sure you know the best herbs to grow indoors.
How to Eat Your Leafy Greens
Spinach-Orzo Salad with ChickpeasThe first version of this salad was an experiment in mixing together some random ingredients I had on hand. It was a success, and several people at the party asked for the recipe—which meant I had to re-create it! It's healthy, delicious and perfect for warm-weather days. —Glen White, Kissimmee, Florida
Sausage and Swiss Chard PastaI whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture. —Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kale Slaw Spring SaladMy parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Greens and Beans Turkey SoupOn winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Spinach & RiceI started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It's so convenient that I no longer reserve it for special occasions! —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Spinach Bean SoupThis navy bean soup is heartwarming comfort food at its best. It's my signature soup that I make for my family and friends. The bright red and green of the peppers and spinach give it a suitably seasonal look. —Barbara Shay, Pasadena, California
Chicken Wild Rice SoupThis easy chicken wild rice soup is hearty, cozy and comforting. Featuring leftover chicken and precooked rice, it's a total winner in terms of taste and time.
Kale Quinoa SaladKale quinoa salad is a nutritious side dish and, conveniently, a salad you can make ahead of time. Zippy lemon juice, silky onions and chewy currants combine with kale and pine nuts for a salad that's a hearty lunch or an easy potluck offering.
Bow Tie & Spinach SaladWith pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana
Swiss Chard Bean SoupThis hearty soup combines nutritious Swiss chard with other garden favorites. Its light broth is surprisingly rich in flavor, and the grated Parmesan packs an additional punch. Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Collard Greens with BaconThese smoky collard greens with bacon prove that leafy greens can pack a lot of flavor. Complete the ode to Southern cuisine by serving them with creamy mac and cheese, fried catfish or honey cornbread.
Spinach Artichoke LasagnaSpinach artichoke lasagna is just like your favorite dip turned into a hearty, comforting meal. This baked pasta comes together fast with premade Alfredo sauce and no-cook noodles, and the extra cheesiness will turn heads at the dinner table.
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini SoupThis recipe for sausage tortellini soup is delicious, filling and easy to execute.
Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & BeansWith two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. —Sara Richardson, Littleton, Colorado
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli EnchiladasI like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
Nectarine Arugula SaladHere's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. —Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia
Salmon with Spinach & White BeansMy husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied WalnutsI created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California
Spinach and Artichoke PizzaMy from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Spinach ManicottiThis creamy, cheesy, tomatoey spinach manicotti is completely assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight before baking, making it about as convenient as can be, whether you're cooking for family or company.
Swiss Chard with Onions & GarlicI like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
Italian Sausage and Spinach PieThe basic recipe came from my mother, but I've added a few ingredients. The flavors blend so well, and it even tastes good cold. This makes a hearty supper, especially when you serve it with a side of pasta. —Teresa Johnson, Peru, Illinois
Parmesan Kale CasseroleI tried coming up with a creative way to use kale, and the result was a cheesy casserole. When my husband sampled it, he absolutely loved it. Bits of summer sausage add heartiness. —Diana Johnson, Auburn, Washington
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled EggsMy husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Ginger-Kale SmoothiesSince I started making this green smoothie recipe for breakfast every day, I honestly feel better! Substitute any fruit and juice you like to make this recipe your own healthy blend.—Linda Green, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachWhat could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Spicy Beef Stir FrySpice up your dinner rotation with our 30-minute beef stir fry recipe. Tender sirloin and crisp veggies meet a fiery coconut-lime sauce for a quick and delicious meal any night of the week.
Frittata FlorentineMy family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Spinach QuesadillasMy family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Collard Greens & BeansI didn't eat southern-style collards until a friend gave me a recipe for greens with bacon and pinto beans. Now I’m delighted to make them. —April Burroughs, Vilonia, Arkansas
Homey Chicken Noodle SoupChicken noodle soup brings back memories of childhood. This revamped version with a healthy twist is a favorite at my house, especially after we've been working outside on a cool day. It takes the chill off.—Cynthia LaFourcade, Salmon, Idaho
Kale SaladI love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Scallops with Wilted SpinachTwo of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Watermelon and Spinach SaladSummer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
White Bean Arugula SaladMy red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. —Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts
Spinach Pie ParmaFor a hearty pie with a lovely Italian flavor, try this recipe. Spinach has never tasted so good! —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Spinach PizzaThis spinach pizza recipe, with fresh vegetables and a creamy Alfredo sauce, is easy to make at home.
Cranberry Almond Spinach SaladIf you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California
Sausage & Swiss Chard LasagnaRustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Cheese Tortellini and Kale SoupA steaming bowl of this hearty soup is always a welcomed dish with both my family and neighbors. I often serve it when we get together during the cold months to watch football games. I add crusty bread, sliced cheese and grapes to round out the meal. —Marlena Liimatainen, Denton, Maryland
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed DressingThis salad has been a family favorite for a while! I love to bring this to parties or simply eat as a wonderful lunch or side dish. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Sausage and Lentil SoupSpicy sausage and chicken broth flavor the milder lentils and beans in this sausage and lentil soup recipe. Tomatoes and spinach add color while goat cheese tops it off with a bit of tanginess.
