For Mr Mathew Howe, a classic pesto recipe is not complete without pine nuts, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and, most importantly, a healthy measure of fresh basil.
While the herb is readily available in local supermarkets, he found that growing his own was more cost-effective, and he could also produce varieties that are tastier and more fragrant.
His success in growing basil then inspired him to cultivate more types of herbs, vegetables and fruit, but Singapore's tropical climate meant that most of these crops have to be grown indoors in compact and well-equipped space.
"Growing plants is my passion, and I wanted to combine that with my desire to provide the freshest produce for my family," said the 41-year-old Singapore permanent resident.
Mr Howe's success with growing basil and making pesto made him wonder if he could make it a community endeavour, and he found his answer during a trip to the barber.
"The idea of growing food on a wall came about when I was at my barber... I was staring at the wall behind me while my hair was being cut, and I just thought that maybe we could grow food there and also make the place look a lot prettier," he said.
Mr Howe is the founder and chief executive of Grobrix, an agritech start-up that builds modular, portable walls rigged with the firm's proprietary technology to optimise light and water for growing indoor produce like basil, lettuce, tomatoes, sage and parsley.
Grobrix grows crops in its nursery at Singapore Science Park, nurturing them from seed to seedling for about three weeks before transferring them onto vertical walls. These installations, which range in size from a medium-sized wardrobe to a large floor-to-ceiling storage cabinet, can produce 2kg to 6kg of food per week.
Denne historien er fra September 10, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 10, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Howe focuses on positives after rare clean sheet in draw at Everton
LONDON Eddie Howe praised Newcastle United's defensive display and rare away clean sheet after the 0-0 English Premier League draw at Everton on Oct 5, as a missed Anthony Gordon penalty denied the visitors all three points.
Chelsea frustrated by 10-man Forest but remain fourth
Noni Madueke's equaliser rescued Chelsea in a 1-1 English Premier League draw against 10man Nottingham Forest that ended the Blues' five-match winning run on Oct 6.
Calm Verdy fight back to lift Lion City Cup
Showing their class for a second consecutive match, Japanese side Tokyo Verdy came from behind to defeat holders BG Pathum United 4-1 to clinch the Lion City Cup on Oct 6.
TEN HAG HAILS BATTLING DRAW
United manager says his 'determined' side defended well, showed character at Villa
Sidelined Carvajal to return like an 'animal'
MADRID - Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal confirmed that he will undergo surgery after suffering a serious knee injury in the 2-0 Spanish La Liga win over Villarreal on Oct 5.
Arteta hails Saka's ability to change games
LONDON - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could almost forgive his side for going a goal down to struggling Southampton as it brought out the best in winger Bukayo Saka, who scored one goal and made two more in their 3-1 English Premier League home win on Oct 5.
KEY KOVACIC UNLOCKS FULHAM
Midfielder fills in for Rodri and bags brace in win to get City's title bid back on track
Rugby player on rape charge booed on return
PARIS - France lock Hugo Auradou was described as being \"serene\" by Pau head coach Sebastien Piqueronies on Oct 5, despite being whistled off the pitch in his first match since being accused of rape in Argentina.
TEARS OF JOY FOR GAUFF IN CHINA
American clinches second title of 2024; Sinner needs day off after comeback win
Victorious Pereira not switching divisions
Brazil's Alex Pereira roared back from a poor start to knock out Khalil Rountree Jr and retain his light heavyweight title at UFC 307 at the Delta Centre on Oct 5, while in the co-main event Julianna Pena beat Raquel Pennington to reclaim the women's bantamweight crown.