Are you looking for a simple way to get fresh Microgreens, healthy greens year-round? We recommend microgreens as a way to enjoy fresh, healthy greens all year. Because they are easy to grow and harvest quickly, microgreens can be a rewarding crop. They can be a quick and easy way to add flavor and nutrients to any meal. We will show you how to grow them and what you can do with them.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens, also known as vegetable confetti, are young edible herbs and vegetables that can be harvested after a few weeks. They are not sprouts. Microgreens can be thought of as baby plants that are somewhere in the middle of a sprout or baby green.
The Mighty Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens are easy to grow: They only require minimal space and light to thrive, which makes them an excellent crop to have on your kitchen windowsill.
Harvest quickly: Most microgreens can be harvested in 1-3 weeks.
Nutrient Density: Younger leaves are more nutritious that mature leaves because all the vitamin and mineral content of the plant is contained in the tiny greens.
This foliage is a great flavor booster: You can use it to enhance any dish, from sweet to bitter tasting microgreens.
What are the most popular microgreens?
These are some of the more expensive produce that you might find in your local supermarket:
- Arugula
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Kale
- Endive
- Radish greens
- Watercress
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Spinach
- Beet greens
- Lettuce
Types Of Microgreens To Grow
Because microgreens seeds can be grown cheaply, you can experiment with growing many vegetables and herbs. These are some microgreen ideas that you can grow at your home.
Arugula microgreens: Arugula has a peppery taste and a crunchy texture. Arugula microgreens are harvested in between 10-14 days.
Broccoli Microgreens – The broccoli leaves are slightly bitter and one of the healthiest microgreens. You can harvest in as little as 10 days.
Cabbage Microgreens are beautiful in color and slightly sweeter in taste than cabbage. These tiny seedlings will add some crunch to your lunch. In 10 days, harvest is ready.
Radish microgreens are one of the easiest and fastest to grow. They taste strong and peppery, much like arugula microgreens. In 7 days, harvest is ready.
There are many varieties of microgreens you can grow. It is important to remember that seeds can take different times to germinate.
Supplies Required
– Use shallow containers or seeds trays (recycled yogurt containers or produce trays)
Mix of organic potting soil
– Your choice of vegetable or herb seeds
Spray bottle
– Humidity dome
– Grow lights or sunny windowsill
Growing Microgreens Instructions
Step 1: Clean the containers by washing them and making small holes in the bottom. To catch any excess water or maintain a high humidity level, place the containers on a tray or seedling flat.
Step 2: To moisten the potting soil, add a bit of warm water to the soil. This will make the soil slightly damp. Place the moist potting soil in the containers, filling approximately 2/3 of them. * Separate containers are needed for each variety of seed.
Step 3: Spread the microgreen seeds evenly over the soil. The seeds should be evenly distributed with very little space between them. A thin layer of potting dirt should be applied to the seeds. Press the seeds into the potting dirt and mist the surface. To retain moisture, cover the tray with a humidity dome and place it in a bright area away from direct sunlight.
Step 4: Make sure to check the trays every day for adequate moisture. A humidity dome’s inside will show condensation. This is an indicator that there is enough moisture. Remove the dome if there isn’t any visible condensation and mist the soil with warmwater.
Step 5: When the seeds have begun to sprout, take out the humidity dome. The microgreens can be placed under grow lights or in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours each day. The soil should not become soggy, but remain moist.
Step 6: Take note that the first leaves to emerge from the soil are the seed leaves. These nourish the plant and help it grow. Step 6: The “true leaves” are the second set of leaves to emerge on the soil. This means that it is time for you to harvest your microgreens. Once the true leaves are visible, cut the stem just below the soil line.
Ways To Eat Your Microgreens
You can use microgreens in many different ways. Here are some of the many ways you can enjoy this nutritious and delicious leaf.
Microgreens have nutritional benefits
Microgreens make great additions to your meals. They can be used as toppings, but they do not replace nutritional value. Although nutrients vary from plant to plant, most contain large amounts of vitamin C, E, and beta carotene. Red cabbage has the highest levels of vitamin C, with forty times more than regular red cabbage. Red cabbage has six times the amount of vitamin C as regular red cabbage. Three times as much beta-carotene is found in cilantro microgreens than in mature cilantro.