Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes AlaskaGrown products better than others I find at the grocery store or gardening retailer?
Living in Alaska, we rely heavily on purchasing our consumable goods from "Outside." That means that most of what we buy at the stores, including produce and bedding plants, have traveled literally thousands of miles to get into your hands, and are usually a week or more old. AlaskaGrown produce, meat products and greenhouse bedding plants, on the other hand, are "fresher by far" because they are sold within a day or two of harvesting. In order to be labeled "AlaskaGrown," the producer has made a commitment to providing only the very best of their products for sale.

2. Where can I pick my own AlaskaGrown products?
There are a number of "pick your own" farms in Alaska. In Palmer, Pyrah's Pioneer U-Pick (907-745-4511) and Arctic Organics (907-746-1087) offer this service. Nugget Farms in Fairbanks (907-455-4721) and Art Carney's Farm in Wasilla (907-376-2077) also run U-Pick farms. It would be a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability of vegetables and to confirm hours of operation.

3. Why are AlaskaGrown products more expensive?
Not all AlaskaGrown products are more expensive. In fact, most products labeled AlaskaGrown are the same price and sometimes even a little less expensive than produce coming out of the Lower 48. However, where money is concerned, Alaskans face some unique challenges in farming. Farm equipment, processing facilities, seeds, fertilizers, and other needs are more expensive mainly due to Alaska's geographic location and shipping expenses. Finally, the types of crops grown in Alaska are labor intensive. Lettuce cannot be picked mechanically like corn or beans. AlaskaGrown producers are committed to providing you the best product possible at a reasonable price. Paying for quality and keeping grocery dollars local is good for everyone in the economy!

4. What restaurants serve AlaskaGrown?
Many restaurants serve AlaskaGrown products based on availability of what is in season. Click here to see a list of restaurants who have sold AlaskaGrown in the past. Always be sure to ask your server if what you ordered is AlaskaGrown! The very first AlaskaGrown Week, held in September 2003, was created to build awareness of the AlaskaGrown program. For one week, specially prepared dishes using fresh, flavorful AlaskaGrown products were featured on the menus of some of Anchorage's and Eagle River's finest restaurants.

5. What grocery stores should I shop at if I want to buy AlaskaGrown products?
Most grocery stores, both small stores and the larger chains, express a commitment to supporting local producers. Click here for a list of retailers that carry AlaskaGrown products. If you have a question as to whether or not a particular product is AlaskaGrown, ask the produce department's manager. And remember, when customers ask for AlaskaGrown, the stores are more likely to carry AlaskaGrown.

6. What nurseries or garden centers carry AlaskaGrown plants?
A list of participating nurseries and garden centers can be found by clicking here. And, congratulations ahead of time on growing your own beautiful AlaskaGrown flowers and vegetables!

7. Why should I buy AlaskaGrown bedding plants?
You can expect that bedding plants produced in-state will be of higher quality due simply to the fact that they have not experienced as much stress as other plants that had to travel for thousands of miles to end up in your garden. Perennial AlaskaGrown plants have proven themselves hardy and adapted to our northern region climate. The combination of these factors make AlaskaGrown plants a great choice for your gardens.

8. How can I make sure my local retailers carry AlaskaGrown products?
The best thing you can do is ASK for AlaskaGrown! Every retailer wants to meet the needs of its consumers, so when you request AlaskaGrown products, you are sending a message that it is important to have the freshest produce possible for your family.

9. What is "hydroponics"?
Hydroponics, by definition, means "water-working." In practical use, it means growing plants in a water and nutrient solution, without soil. The science of hydroponics proves that soil isn't required for plant growth, but the elements, minerals and nutrients that soil contains are necessary. Soil is simply the holder of the nutrients, a place where the plant roots traditionally live and a base of support for the plant structure. Hydroponic growing is ideal for fruit-bearing crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, leafy crops, like lettuce and herbs, and flowing plants.

10. Where can I go to get tips and other help about growing my own AlaskaGrown produce?
Cary Carrigan, a master gardener and our very own Anchorage area meteorologist, has great tips for you right here on this Web site. Also, your local Cooperative Extension can help answer specific questions that may be unique to your geography. They provide literature and services to help you have a great growing experience. For Alaska, visit https://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ or call 907.786.6300.

11. How long can I store the AlaskaGrown carrots and potatoes I buy? How should I store them?
AlaskaGrown carrots in a controlled environment can be held for several months. Carrots should be kept in cold storage with temperatures of 33-35 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice any whiteness on your carrots, a quick icewater bath may restore their appearance and crispness. Potatoes should be stored in a cool (but not cold) dark place. 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit are the ideal temperatures for storing potatoes. Click here for storage tips on other AlaskaGrown products.

12. What does "organic" mean?
Food labeled "organic" identifies food products that have been produced according to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. In general, organic farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pest controls. Food items are processed, packaged, transported and stored to retain maximum nutritional value without the use of artificial preservatives or additives or synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

13. Why are Alaska carrots so big?
Along with the long summer days and cool climate that Alaska is famous for, the carrots simply do not know when to quit growing. Other factors include choosing carrot varieties that perform well in Alaska's far north climate, a good farm management plan, proper fertilization, adequate watering and 18-20 hour day lengths.

14. How BIG was the GIANT cabbage at the 2003 Alaska State Fair?
The biggest cabbage weighed in at 77.6 pounds and was grown by Brenna Dinkel. Last year, Seth Dinkel's 89.9-pound cabbage took 1st place and, in 2001, the winning cabbage was also grown by Seth Dinkle and weighed 92.5 pounds.