Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSeedlings or Sprouts?Nutritional ValuePopular TypesMethods for GrowingHow to Store
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Seedlings or Sprouts?
Nutritional Value
Popular Types
Methods for Growing
How to Store
Microgreens have become a new culinary staple for many people. But what are they? Essentially, microgreens are the young seedlings ofvegetablesandherbs.
These tiny greens are packed with nutrients and offer various health benefits.You can add microgreens to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, meats, and more. In addition to their nutritional value, microgreens can bring flavor and color to your favorite dishes.
Most vegetables and herbs take weeks or months to grow. However, microgreens can be eaten as soon as a week after the leaves of the plan’tscotyledon(part of the embryo within the seed) have developed.
Microgreens: Tiny Seedlings or Just Sprouts?
Although they appear similar, microgreens andsproutsare not the same.
Microgreens are usually grown in soil and need sunlight. When the cotyledon leaves develop, the plant officially becomes a microgreen. Depending on the type, you can harvest microgreens in one to three weeks.Typically, only the seed leaves and stem of microgreens are consumed.
Sprouts are frequently grown with water in the dark. They are harvested just as the seed grows before the leaves develop. It takes only about two to three days to harvest sprouts.The whole sprout, including the roots, is often eaten.
You can grow microgreens from many vegetables and herbs. However, some, such astomatoes, potatoes, peppers, andeggplant, are not edible at the seedling stage. They also contain alkaloids, which can be toxic in high amounts.
The Origin of MicrogreensMicrogreens were first grown and harvested in California in the 1980s and 1990s. They have become more popular in recent decades.
The Origin of Microgreens
Microgreens were first grown and harvested in California in the 1980s and 1990s. They have become more popular in recent decades.
They may be small, but microgreens are packed with nutritional value. A diet rich in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, andantioxidants, can prevent diseases, includingcancer,obesity, heart disease, anddiabetes.
Some research suggests that microgreens have more health benefits than their traditional vegetable and herb counterparts. In one study, researchers looked at 25 different microgreens. They found that, on average, microgreens had 4 to 6 times more nutrients than mature vegetables and herbs.
Specifically, red cabbage microgreens had 40 times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin C than whole red cabbage. Cilantro microgreens had 3 times morebeta-carotene(a yellow or orange pigment found in some plants that the body changes into vitamin A) than regular cilantro.
Although it depends on the type of plant, research has shown that many microgreens contain the following nutrients:
Microgreens also contain phytochemicals, which are plant-based compounds that may strengthen the immune system and fight diseases like cancer.
Contamination ConcernsContamination of microgreens with bacteria likeSalmonellaorEscherichia coli(E. coli) is possible. It is important to buy seeds sold specifically for sprouting, as these have been tested for microorganisms.Microgreens should also be kept away from animals and food areas. Always wash your hands before handling them.
Contamination Concerns
Contamination of microgreens with bacteria likeSalmonellaorEscherichia coli(E. coli) is possible. It is important to buy seeds sold specifically for sprouting, as these have been tested for microorganisms.Microgreens should also be kept away from animals and food areas. Always wash your hands before handling them.
Some popular microgreens people harvest and grow are:
Where to Find MicrogreensIf you don’t want to grow microgreens, you can find them at specialty grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online.
Where to Find Microgreens
If you don’t want to grow microgreens, you can find them at specialty grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online.
A Word From VerywellMicrogreens are a great and easy way to boost nutrition content in your meals. You can add them to an omelet or smoothie at breakfast, to a sandwich, soup, or wrap at lunch, or to a burger, stir-fry, or salad at dinner.—JAMIE JOHNSON, RDN, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Microgreens are a great and easy way to boost nutrition content in your meals. You can add them to an omelet or smoothie at breakfast, to a sandwich, soup, or wrap at lunch, or to a burger, stir-fry, or salad at dinner.—JAMIE JOHNSON, RDN, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Microgreens are a great and easy way to boost nutrition content in your meals. You can add them to an omelet or smoothie at breakfast, to a sandwich, soup, or wrap at lunch, or to a burger, stir-fry, or salad at dinner.
—JAMIE JOHNSON, RDN, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Microgreens are relatively easy to grow. You need just seeds, a container, soil, water, and light. They can be grown indoors or outdoors. You can purchase prepackaged seed mixes online or in many health food grocery stores.
If you’re growing microgreens indoors, follow these steps:
Growing microgreens outdoors in a garden requires a similar procedure:
Once the leaves begin to sprout, the microgreens are ready to harvest.Be sure that what you harvest is the true leaves and not the seed leaves. You can cut the microgreens with scissors just above the soil.
What Do Microgreens Taste Like?Microgreens can vary in taste. Some may be spicy, others are sweet, while still others may have a hint of bitterness.
What Do Microgreens Taste Like?
Microgreens can vary in taste. Some may be spicy, others are sweet, while still others may have a hint of bitterness.
It depends on the microgreen, but some can be stored for several weeks without going bad.
How to Use MicrogreensMicrogreens can be eaten raw or added to various foods, such as sandwiches, salads, smoothies, soups, pasta, rice, hummus, tacos, pizza, and eggs.
How to Use Microgreens
Microgreens can be eaten raw or added to various foods, such as sandwiches, salads, smoothies, soups, pasta, rice, hummus, tacos, pizza, and eggs.
Summary
Microgreens are both nutritious and flavorful. You can buy them at a health food store. Or, you can conveniently grow microgreens at home. Types of microgreens include broccoli, red cabbage, cauliflower, radishes, beets, basil, parsley, and cilantro.
Unlike mature vegetables and herbs, microgreens can be harvested after planting in a few weeks or less. Consuming microgreens is a simple way to boost nutrition and incorporate fresh food into your diet.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Taste the Local Difference.Microgreens: More than a beautiful garnish.
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Sprout People.Refrigerating.
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