Microgreens have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and they are one of the healthiest and most beneficial food sources available. Microgreens are essentially any edible green that hasn’t yet grown to maturities, such as spinach, kale, arugula, mustard, and even radishes.
They’re small, packed with nutrients, and offer a wide range of health benefits—you’ll take this up as a hobby instead of hell spin casino online in no time!
Nutritional Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens are incredibly nutritious and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies have found that microgreens can have a higher concentration of nutrients than the more mature version of the vegetable.
For instance, microgreens may contain three to four times more vitamins and antioxidants than mature greens do. A study from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture also found that some microgreens may even be more nutritious than their mature counterparts, specifically finding that baby greens had significantly higher levels of lutein, a vitamin important for eye health.
Convenient Growing
Growing microgreens is a relatively straightforward and easy process, making them a great option for indoor gardeners. They can be grown in small batches and require very little space — all you need is a shallow tray and potting soil.
Most microgreens are ready to harvest in just a few weeks, which is significantly faster than growing regular crops. Microgreens also require very little maintenance, making them a convenient and low-effort option for gardening.
Flavor and Versatility
Microgreens offer a wide variety of flavors and textures, ranging from earthy to spicy to sweet. Some of the most popular microgreens include radish, arugula, and kale. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, and even soups to add flavor and texture.
They’re particularly popular among chefs due to their ability to add an extra layer of flavor to dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Versatile Uses
In addition to adding flavor and texture to dishes, microgreens can be used for a variety of purposes. Some use microgreens as garnishes for drinks and desserts, while others add them to smoothies for extra nutrition.
Microgreens can also be juiced for a healthy and delicious green juice. They don’t require additional cooking and can be eaten raw, making them a convenient and healthy snack.
How to Grow Them
Although it can seem like a daunting task, growing microgreens is actually quite easy and doesn’t require any complex equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Non-GMO microgreen seeds
- Containers, such as plastic trays with drainage holes
- Potting soil
- A spray bottle
- A space with adequate lighting
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary items, it’s time to get planting. Start by filling the container with the potting soil, about an inch deep. Then, evenly spread the microgreen seeds across the surface.
Finally, mist the entire setup with the spray bottle, and put it in a location with indirect sunlight.
At this point, take a few minutes to appreciate your handiwork and admire your new crop of microgreens. Now that the hard part is over, you’ll only need to worry about two things: water and light.
Check on the microgreens two to three times a day and spray them with the spray bottle when they start to look dry.
You don’t want the soil to dry out or become overly saturated, so find the right balance and make sure the microgreens get just the right amount of hydration.
Additionally, pay attention to the light conditions of your plants. Make sure the microgreens are getting enough, but not too much, light. If they are exposed to intense sunlight, they will wilt quickly.
A sunroom or window sill can be a great place to place microgreens.
Harvesting your microgreens is a thrilling, yet simple, task. When the seedlings are about two inches in length, snip the tops off with scissors and store them in a container for later use.
Common microgreens harvested in this fashion include broccoli, kale, and arugula.
Use your creativity to add flavor and style to your cuisine with a sprinkle of microgreens over salads, burgers, sandwiches, and meats. Plus, since most microgreens contain more vitamins and minerals than their mature counterparts, you’ll be bringing essential nutrients to every meal.
Growing microgreens can be a fun and rewarding hobby. You’ll get your hands dirty and put your green thumb to the test while producing something delicious that you can share with your friends and family.
To get started, invest in some non-GMO microgreen seeds, and you’ll be on your way. Who knows—you may even have the next marketable crop of microgreens on your hands.
Overall, microgreens are a great source of nutrition and offer a range of health benefits. They’re easy to grow and provide a wide range of flavors and textures, making them perfect for adding a unique touch to any meal.
From garnishes to salads to juice, microgreens provide added nutrition without adding any extra effort. What’s more, growing microgreens is an inexpensive and low-maintenance process, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional produce.