Thursday, June 25, 2009

El Dorado Adds Greenhouse to Hotel Grounds

Farm fresh. Local. Organic. These are just some of the buzz words I read or hear a lot in reference to food being offered by food service establishments within the lodging industry. Increasingly, food service staff are growing vegetables and herbs on site. In some cases, it is more than vegetables and herbs. Where space is available outside of the building, gardens are being grown. In some cases, rooftops have been utilized to grow fresh food items.

The El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, has added a 20,000-square-foot greenhouse for the purpose of planting 30 types of fruits and vegetables. The hotel intends to offer guests tours of the greenhouse and include them in planting activities and cooking seminars. The first seeds will be planted on June 30 and guests can expect the first harvest on August 15. Cilantro, thyme, onions, tomatoes, honeydew melons, lettuce and squash are some of the fresh produce guests will enjoy.

By growing fruits, vegetables and plants on its own property, El Dorado Royale is saving money while reducing emissions created via the transportation of products from their harvest locations to the resort. The greenhouse is the latest addition to El Dorado’s extensive Passion for the Environment program, which includes solar heated water, tree plantings and major recycling efforts. Congratulations to El Dorado Royale staff for launching the greenhouse initiative.

Are you growing vegetables, fruit or herbs for your guests? If so, what kind of success have you had? Let me know by writing to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

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