Microgreen(also called microgreens, microgreens, or leafy greens) are young, edible seedlings that you can easily a few days grow and harvest at home in just . They not only have an intense flavor but also contain various vitamins and minerals in their early stages. Even without a green thumb, you're guaranteed success !
A seedling develops from a seed , from this a sprout (or also called shoot ) emerges and then this continues to grow until so-called microgreens develop, which you can also call leafy greens, green herbs, baby greens or, most internationally Microgreen, .
Microgreengrow in soil, on mats or fleece and need sufficient daylight to thrive. Some varieties even thrive without any substrate at all. After about 7-14 days , they are harvested or cut when they reach a size of 2.5-7.5 cm , just like you used to do with your first packet of cress back in school.
The various Microgreenoffer a wide range of interesting flavors , such as mild, refreshing, spicy, or sweet. Their taste is much more intense than that of mature vegetables. You can add entirely new flavor nuances and a greater variety of colors to your favorite dishes with these crunchy greens!
Microgreens Microgreenin a variety of ways: in can be used salads , as a garnish on soups, smoothies, on (buttered) bread, in sandwiches , dips & toppings , juiced in a juice shot or even as the finishing touch in a martini glass 😉
How healthy are Microgreen?
Freshly harvested microgreens are usually used immediately after picking, bringing a burst of freshness to your plate. Growing as seedlings on a windowsill, they boast a high density of nutrients and green chlorophyll compared to many commercially available vegetables. Chlorophyll is primarily responsible for the green color of the leaves. Microgreennaturally contain chlorophyll and can be a fresh addition to your daily diet.
In the USA, Microgreenare often traded as a trendy product, as studies have shown that they sometimes contain higher levels of certain nutrients per gram of dry matter than mature vegetables.
According to a study by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), an organization of the United States Department of Agriculture, the cited study showed that some Microgreencabbage MicrogreenHigh levels of vitamins such as vitamins C, E, and K, and carotenoids were found in 25 commercially used microgreen varieties, including examined had higher concentrations of certain nutrients per gram of dry matter than the leaves of mature vegetables. https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/nutrition/what-are-microgreens/microgreen) cilantro , red amaranth , and daikon radish . (Source:
that red cabbagemicrogreensMicrogreensignificantly higher levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E per gram of dry matter than mature red cabbage. (Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)
What types Microgreenare there?
Microgreens can be grown Microgreen has a single stem that is cut just above the soil at harvest time. In addition to the fully developed cotyledons, it typically already has its first true leaves. Most varieties can be harvested approximately 7-12 days after sowing. from the seeds of various types of vegetables, herbs, and other plants . A
The most famous of all Microgreenis probably cress , but there are so many other varieties you've probably never heard of (at least not as microgreens): sunflowers , kale , mizuna , buckwheat , dill , mung beans, red clover , radish , fenugreek , chickpeas , broad beans , crimson clover , red lentils , mustard , chives , and so many more …
For Microgreenbeginners, we recommend peas , radishes , cabbage varieties (e.g., broccoli , kale , red cabbage , kohlrabi ), and radishes for growing Microgreenas the best choices . These varieties are very easy to care for , simple to handle, and you can hardly go wrong. The small Microgreenseeds, especially those of cabbage varieties or radishes, are quick and easy to cultivate. With the exception of peas, they don't need to be soaked before planting.
And if you 'd like to involve your kids in the wonderful process of growing these leafy greens , we recommend varieties with a mild flavor , such as pea and sunflower . Pea Microgreentaste like fresh pea pods , and young sunflowers have a delicious nutty flavor . The structure and stature of their stems and leaves are rather robust compared to other varieties, making them easy for small children to handle without the sunflower Microgreenbecoming mushy.
What advantages do Microgreenoffer you?
- High nutrient density relative to the small serving size
- They contain active enzymes and are therefore often used as a fresh addition to vegetable dishes
- They contain chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color
- High in fiber & low in calories
- Cost-effective
- Environmentally friendly (year-round cultivation without long transport routes)
- Easy to grow (anywhere, anytime, in a very short time)
- A vast array of varieties, shapes & flavors
- Awaken your creative spirit by decorating dishes
- Urban gardening (You don't even need a garden to garden!)
Difference between Microgreenand sprouts
If you want to easily distinguish sprouts from microgreens, you can imagine the following: sprouts are the baby and teenage version of a young plant, and microgreens are the adult version.
Sprouts become Microgreen; the germination time varies depending on the time required (see soaking and germination times).
Sprouts are eaten whole , meaning they are consumed "skin and hair" (including the root, seed coat and any small green leaves that may have already formed).
Microgreen. are typically grown in soil and cut above ground before harvesting. What remains are the stems and leaves for the feast
Unlike sprouts, Microgreenare typically grown with light, which causes them to develop chlorophyll. During growth, they also produce essential oils and bitter compounds that are responsible for their characteristic flavor.
Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of leaves. Its chemical structure is almost identical to hemin, from which hemoglobin (a component of red blood cells) is formed.
The green color changes sensory properties and nutrient profiles.
You can find out what else chlorophyll does in the body in a separate blog articlethat we have dedicated to the green elixir.
And the best thing about Microgreen?
You can grow them quickly, easily, and simply – 365 days a year! They practically grow from your windowsill to your mouth. If you're interested in growing your own fresh greens in the future , feel free to check out our Microgreenstarter kits :
