Hydroponically grown lettuce has claimed a spot next to the organic variety in the grocery store, causing consumers to wonder which is healthier. When comparing hydroponic produce to regular soil-grown crops, it depends. Numerous scientific studies have reached varying conclusions, some showing hydroponic tomatoes have more vitamin C and others concluding they are lower in antioxidants.
Are hydroponics healthy? While the jury is still out, there are a few factors that can help consumers decide which growing type they prefer. Whether hydroponics or regular crops are healthier remains inconclusive, but there are ways to determine which growing method contributes to the overall health of the plant. By identifying the factors outlined below, we can compare the health benefits of hydroponics to those of conventional produce.