LG Just Debuted a Fridge That Will Grow Your Leafy Greens
Updated: Jan. 09, 2024
Transform they way you cook and garden with LG's new herb-growing fridge.
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
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
Butternut and Chard Pasta BakeThis recipe is made for butternut squash lovers, with pureed squash in the sauce and squash pieces in the casserole alongside an ideal companion, Swiss chard. This is a very veggie hybrid of ever-popular holiday sides. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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
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
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
Make-Ahead Spinach ManicottiWhen I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
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
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
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
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
Weeknight Ravioli LasagnaMy husband and I love lasagna, but it's time-consuming to build and we always end up with too much. Using frozen ravioli fixes the problem! —Pamela Nicholson, Festus, Missouri
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 PizzaThis tasty pizza is so easy to prepare. My family, including my young daughter, loves it. What an easy way to make a delicious, veggie-filled meal! —Dawn Bartholomew, Raleigh, North Carolina
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
Baked Creamy Spinach DipI'm a fan of classic dishes but frequently tweak them a bit to suit my family's tastes. My cheesy spinach dip is a little lighter than other versions I've seen and pairs well with bagel chips. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Sausage & Kale Lentil StewI made a pot of this awesome soup when visiting my sister and her family. Now, I'll bring it along when I stop by or pack up a few containers for my nephew, who appreciates a home-cooked meal while he's off at college. —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Originally Published: January 22, 2020
