Grow Your Future: Spezialitätenmarkt Wädenswil

Looking for a rare tomato variety, an exceptionally flavourful strawberry, or a unique rose species? At the Spezialitätenmarkt Wädenswil, plant lovers, garden enthusiasts, and foodies alike will find a treasure trove of rarities and traditional varieties.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the ZHAW Grüental gardens overlooking Lake Zurich, the market brings together around 30 exhibitors offering a truly unique selection: heirloom fruits and berries, vegetable seedlings, herbs, flowers, perennials, and young trees. Whether you garden on a balcony or in a backyard, you’ll find inspiration for new planting experiments — and a chance to contribute to biodiversity right at home.

Imagine this: You, in just a few weeks, harvesting your own vegetables – all thanks to a little trip to the Spezialitätenmarkt! (Source: Pixabay)

Growing Your Own Food: A Step Toward Sustainability and Better Nutrition

Spring is the perfect time to plant new seeds, and growing your own food is much more than a rewarding hobby — it’s a meaningful step towards a healthier planet and a more nutritious diet. From a sustainability perspective, home gardens drastically shorten the supply chain: no packaging waste, no long transport routes, and less energy used for storage and cooling. Even a few pots of herbs or tomatoes on a balcony reduce reliance on industrial agriculture, which is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation worldwide (FAO, 2021).

Furthermore, diversifying what we grow supports ecological resilience. Rare and traditional plant varieties often have unique traits such as drought resistance, pest tolerance, and the ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. These traits make them invaluable in adapting to changing climates and protecting agricultural ecosystems. By cultivating these plants, home gardeners help preserve agricultural biodiversity and create habitats that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators — all of which are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring successful crops. While industrial farming tends to focus on high-yield, uniform crops, growing a variety of plants at home can safeguard the genetic diversity that is essential for food security and biodiversity (Kremen et al., 2012).

By planting a variety of plants, you’re helping bees and pollinators thrive! (Source: Pixabay)

From a nutrition standpoint, homegrown produce is usually fresher, richer in flavour, and often more nutrient-dense than store-bought alternatives. Studies have shown that traditional and lesser-known plant species often contain higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (Toledo & Burlingame, 2006). Research has also found that organic and locally grown vegetables tend to have higher antioxidant content, which is linked to better health outcomes (Worthington, 2001). By embracing variety, we not only make our plates more colourful but also support a broader intake of vital nutrients.

And there's another bonus: growing your own food can strengthen the connection to what we eat, encourage seasonal eating, and inspire more mindful consumption habits. In turn, this fosters a more conscious relationship with food, promoting environmental sustainability and personal health (Guthman, 2008).

More Than a Market: Culinary Discoveries, Tours, and Workshops

The Spezialitätenmarkt offers much more than rare plants: At the Culinary Stage, local producers present regional, sustainable delicacies ready for tasting and purchase. Meet the makers, discover new flavours, and learn firsthand how these foods are grown and crafted.

Thematic tours invite visitors to explore the gardens and research areas, covering topics from biodiversity to renewable energy and future-oriented agriculture. Practical workshops and engaging lectures dive deeper into plant sciences and sustainable practices.

When it’s time for a break, the Kafistübli offers coffee and cake, and a variety of food trucks serve delicious lunch options — with something for every taste and preference.

Ready to explore the flavours of tomorrow, reconnect with nature, and grow your own future?

Don’t miss the Spezialitätenmarkt on May 10, 2025, at the ZHAW Grüental Campus in Wädenswil from 9 am to 4 pm — a day full of discovery, inspiration, and culinary delights. Plant the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable world!

More info here: Spezialitätenmarkt

This article was written by Christine Kammerecker with the assistance of ChatGPT.

References:

• FAO (2021). The State of Food and Agriculture 2021: Making food systems more resilient to shocks and stresses. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4476en
• Kremen, C., Iles, A., & Bacon, C. (2012). Diversified farming systems: An agroecological, systems-based alternative to modern industrial agriculture. Ecological Applications, 22(4), 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.5751/ES-05103-170444
• Toledo, Á., & Burlingame, B. (2006). Biodiversity and nutrition: A common path toward global food security and sustainable development. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2006.05.001
• Worthington, V. (2001). Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional fruits, vegetables, and grains. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 7(2), 161-173. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555301750164244
• Guthman, J. (2008). Neoliberalism and the making of food politics in California. Geoforum, 39(3), 1171-1183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2006.09.002