James Beard winner teaming up with CEA company to highlight produce

James Beard Award-winning chef JJ Johnson will collaborate with controlled environment agriculture producer Edible Garden as culinary advisor to further develop the company’s product line.

Johnson is known for his West African and Caribbean cuisine as well as restaurants including fast-casual rice bowl concept FIELDTRIP and Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His new book, “The Simple Art of Rice,” was named one of the New York Times’ Best Cookbooks of 2023.

Johnson also hosts the hit cooking show Just Eats with Chef JJ on Cleo TV, now in its fifth season.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Chef JJ Johnson to the Edible Garden family as our culinary advisor,” Jim Kras, Edible Garden CEO, said in a news release. “JJ brings a unique perspective as an award-winning chef, and his expertise in blending global flavors with a strong commitment to sustainability and food justice aligns perfectly with our Zero-Waste Inspired mission.

“His leadership and creativity will help shape the future of Edible Garden’s product offerings by developing innovative flavor combinations that elevate everyday meals for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and professional chefs.”

The collaboration will spotlight Edible Garden’s USDA-certified organic herbs and produce, according to the release.

Edible Garden operates greenhouses and processing facilities in Grand Rapids and Belvidere, New Jersey. The company’s network of contract growers in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and West Coast provides locally grown, cut and packed fresh lettuce and organic herbs.

“I am thrilled to join Edible Garden as culinary advisor,” Johnson said. “I have always believed that the freshest ingredients can elevate any dish, and Edible Garden’s commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with my vision of creating a more equitable and delicious food system. Together, we will inspire cooks of all levels while also addressing the critical challenges of food justice and sustainability.”