Two local brands, one shared obsession:
Uncompromising freshness from farm to table.
At Madrean Foods, we are always on the lookout for partners who share our absolute obsession with quality, freshness, and community. That’s why we are incredibly thrilled to officially introduce our newest local vendor: Backyard Green House LLC, widely known to local foodies as BGH Micros!
Based right here in Rio Rico, BGH Micros is a small-scale, high-impact farm specializing in premium microgreens and seasonal edible flowers. While you might have already spotted their vibrant greens at local Tucson farmers markets or on the plates of the region's top culinary spots, the story behind this farm goes much deeper than just a passion for greens. It’s a story rooted in family legacy, deep industry expertise, and a lifelong dedication to the produce of Southern Arizona.
The Story Behind the Stems: Meet Founder Santiago "Alek" Suarez
Behind every great harvest is a grower who knows the land and the industry inside and out. BGH Micros was co-founded by Santiago Alek Suarez, a Southern Arizona native whose entire life has been shaped by the produce industry.
Raised in the historic produce hub of Nogales, Arizona, Santiago grew up in the heart of the action—navigating warehouses, loading docks, and inspections for his family’s produce distribution business. His commitment to quality started early: at just fifteen years old, he became his family’s in-house quality control inspector, overseeing produce imported from Mexico. That foundational experience gave him an unparalleled, firsthand understanding of rigorous quality standards, cross-border trade, and the complex logistics required to move fresh product the right way.
Santiago’s passion for agriculture eventually led him to the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Economics and Management. After transitioning into professional produce sales, he teamed up with a close friend to launch a small leafy greens project. What started as a passion project quickly blossomed into the specialty microgreen and edible flower farm we know today.
Today, Santiago balances his time between farm production, sales, and serving on the board of the Southern Arizona Produce Association. For him, BGH Micros isn't just a business—it’s a way to honor his family’s legacy while pioneering something modern, clean, and sustainable for our region.
The BGH Philosophy: "Grow the best, Not the most"
Because of Santiago’s background in high-volume quality control, BGH Micros operates under a refreshing and precise banner: Grow the best, Not the most. Instead of focusing on mass production, they pour meticulous care into every single tray they cultivate. Every variety is grown clean, harvested at the absolute peak of freshness, and delivered directly from the farm to ensure vibrant color, intense flavor, and optimal shelf-life. When a partner is that protective of their quality, we know they belong in the kitchens of Madrean Foods customers.
Product Spotlight: What BGH Micros Brings to the Table
BGH Micros isn’t just growing greens; they are growing culinary experiences. Here is a look at the spectacular, local products they offer that we are excited to highlight:
1. Nutrient-Dense, Flavor-Packed Microgreens
Microgreens are famous for packing up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, but BGH Micros ensures incredible flavor profiles and robust textures. Some of their standout varieties include:
Fava Microgreens: Known for their thick stems and a wonderfully nutty, slightly sweet taste—perfect for hearty salads or savory toppings.
Classic Favorites & Spicy Kicks: From earthy Broccoli and crisp Pea microgreens to the bright punch of Cilantro, the subtle sharp notes of Leek, and the bold, peppery kick of Radish and Mustard.
Unique Fruit Varieties: Unexpected and delightful microgreens like Cantaloupe, which offer a surprising, delicate sweetness.
Curated Blends: Their signature Micro Mix and Salad Mix offer a perfectly balanced combination of textures and flavors ready to elevate any dish.
2. Exquisite Seasonal Edible Flowers
Food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. BGH Micros' seasonal edible flowers are a favorite among top-tier chefs, bakers, and mixologists for their fragrance and long-lasting beauty.
Single-Variety Beauties: Vibrant Marigolds, stunning Zinnias, delicate Bachelor Buttons, and the striking blue, cucumber-toned Borage Blossoms.
Curated Floral Mixes: Masterfully designed medleys like the celebratory Fiesta Mix and the elegant, deeply hued Midnight Mix add instant artistry to desserts, savory plates, and craft cocktails.
Cultivating a Greener, More Flavorful Future
By partnering with Santiago and the team at BGH Micros, Madrean Foods is doubling down on our commitment to supporting regional Arizona agriculture and lowering our food miles. Because their farm is right in our backyard, these greens don't spend days sitting in transit losing their vital nutrients. Instead, they arrive vibrant, crisp, and bursting with life.
Whether you are looking to pack your meals with dense nutrition, add a punch of hyper-local flavor, or transform a simple plate into a visual masterpiece, the addition of BGH Micros to our vendor network makes it easier than ever.
We are so proud to welcome Backyard Green House LLC to the Madrean Foods family and to help continue Southern Arizona's rich produce legacy. Stay tuned to our upcoming menus and product offerings to experience the BGH Micros difference for yourself!
Have you tried microgreens or edible flowers in your culinary creations yet? Let us know your favorite ways to use them in the comments below, or tag us in your photos using #MadreanFoods and #BGHMicros!.