What are microgreens? Microgreens include both the stems and leaves of a seedling, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length. They are super easy to grow indoors but make sure that they come from a reputable source, so the seeds are not contaminated. They are not the same as sprouts, which have a greater risk of contamination because they are grown in soil. Conversely, microgreens are grown in water, generally, taking 7-14 days before you can harvest them, although some varieties could take longer.
Benefits of microgreens:
- Often contain more dense nutrients than adult plant form
- Contain powerful antioxidants, chlorophyll, and polyphenols as well as minerals and vitamins, which help to prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancers
- Make your recipes look beautiful and professional
- Have great versatility to add to recipes such as salads, appetizers, as well as serve as a garnish
- Seeds are available in a variety of types
- They are fun to grow!
- Harvesting them at home makes them less susceptible to nutrient loss due to less time from harvest to consumption.
Examples of Types of Microgreens: You can grow microgreens almost from any type of garden veggie or herb plant. Popular types include:
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Radish
- Kale
- Arugula
- Chard
- Watercress
- Beet
- Spinach
- Radicchio
- Celery
- Endive
- Basil
- Sunflower
- Pak Choi
- Pea
- Cabbage
- Leek
- Daikon Radish
- Hot wasabi mustard
- …and more!
How to grow microgreens?
The easiest way to grow microgreens is to obtain a microgreen kit. There are a variety of vendors out there. I love my kit from Hamama® and am splitting the organic seed quilts to grow 2 varieties at a time in one tray. Try this fun way to add some health benefits and make your recipes look and taste great!
I am a Master’s prepared RN, National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Board-Certified Functional Wellness Coach, and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. I help people fix their chronic inflammation & pain with in-home lab testing, client assessments, personalized natural healing protocols, and online coaching to help them move from pain to peace so that they feel better, move better, and live better.