Lettuce grown 1.1km underground in mine for future food
Scientists successfully grew lettuce 1.1 kilometers underground in a mine, exploring potential methods for future food production in extreme environments.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Scientists have successfully grown lettuce more than a kilometre underground in a working mine in North Yorkshire, in what is believed to be the first trial of its kind at such a depth. The experiment took place at Boulby, the world's only mine extracting the mineral polyhalite, which is used as fertiliser. Researchers used a lift cage to descend 1.1 kilometres into the mine, where they set up a small growing area in one of the tunnels. The underground environment offers several advantages: the temperature is naturally warm, around 30 degrees Celsius, so less energy is needed for heating; water and lighting are already available; and there are no insects, meaning pesticides are not required. The lettuce was planted six weeks before the report and grew to full size with good colour and nutrient content. Scientists described the results as 'fantastic' and said the method could help solve future food production problems in extreme environments. The team plans to expand the underground lab into a world-leading research base shielded from cosmic rays. The reporter tasted the lettuce and confirmed it 'tastes like lettuce'.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Lettuce was grown 1.1 km underground in a mine near Whitby, without pesticides and with lower heating costs due to warmer underground temperatures. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report frames the story as a promising innovation for future food security, with a hands-on, human-interest approach. It emphasises the novelty of growing crops at extreme depth and the practical benefits of the mine's natural conditions, including energy savings and the absence of pests. The reporter's taste test adds a light, relatable touch.
- “You can see that they're growing to full size, they've got lots of nice colour in them, they're full of nutrients which is fantastic to see, especially when you consider that they've grown 1.5km or 1.1km underground.”
- “Tastes like lettuce, yeah.”
- “we're saving a lot of energy by not having to use heat or air conditioning or anything in that sort of pest or disease resistant space, so there's no herbicides or pesticides required in these systems.”
Broadcast Timeline
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