Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Boasts Real Life Garden of Eatin’

Having spent countless hours in airport terminals and finagling my way to find healthy options, the news of Chicago O’Hare announcing the launch of their organic aeroponic garden really perked up my ears. Apparently, Chicago’s O’Hare now has four restaurants that use local produce for their menus, so local that it’s actually grown at the airport.  The airport has opened the world’s first “aeroponic” garden (a process similar to hydroponics in which the plant’s roots are misted with water) in between Terminal 2 and 3, in the rotunda building, which grows “44 different types of organic herbs and vegetables” for use at Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi, Blackhawks Restaurant and Tuscany.

Not only is it eco-friendly in addition to eye catching, it’s such an incredible step in the right direction in offering fresh and nutritious food. In fact, it goes above an beyond just offering healthy options. The use of volcanic rock as a nutrient source is energy efficient as well as a means to keep the hydroponic garden organic in nature. The vegetation not only offers travelers a beautiful garden of eatin’ to feast on with both their eyes and mouths, but it also keeps the air fresh and clean. The O’Hare aeroponics garden is a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Aviation and HMS Host, the company that manages most of the airport’s concessions so HUGE kudos to this progressive step in transportation cuisine!

Normally I try to keep my airport time to a minimum so i can get out and see the city that I’m traveling to but perhaps on my next visit to Chicago, I’ll be spending a little more time hangin’ out at the terminal!