Essential Facts About Growing Microgreens You Need to Know
Microgreens have grown in popularity since their debut on the California restaurant scene in the 1980s.
These fragrant greens, also known as micro herbs or vegetable confetti, are full of taste and lend a colorful pop to various recipes.
Despite their tiny size, they are nutritious powerhouses, frequently possessing greater nutrient levels than more mature vegetable greens. As a result, they are an excellent supplement to any diet.
This article discusses the possible health advantages of micro greens and a step-by-step guide on growing your own.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are typically harvested when they are 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) tall.
They are grown from the seeds of vegetables and herbs and can be eaten raw or cooked. Unlike sprouts, they are grown in soil and require sunlight to grow.
Microgreens are generally classified into four categories: brassicas, legumes, leafy greens, and roots.
Some of the most popular types of microgreens include arugula, broccoli, cabbage, kale, radish, and spinach.
What Are the Benefits of Microgreens?
Microgreens have emerged as a popular food item for humans because of their amazing nutritional properties. A cup of microgreens contains more vitamins and minerals than a cup of full-grown vegetables!
Moreover, the nutritional content of microgreens is higher than that of full-grown vegetables when they are consumed at a similar weight. In other words, microgreens are more nutrient-dense than full-grown vegetables.
These nutritious greens are a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
They are also rich in phytochemicals that have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The nutrient-dense nature of microgreens makes them a valuable addition to any diet.
We all know that vegetables are good for our health, but we don’t always eat enough of them. Microgreens make it easy to consume more vegetables because they pack a lot of nutrients into a small amount of food.
Plus, microgreens are low in calories and have a high water content, making them a great food for weight loss.
Finally, microgreens are a versatile food. Their small size and delicate flavor make them a perfect garnish for salads, soups, and other dishes.
You can even use them in smoothies, juices, and desserts.
How to Grow Microgreens
To grow microgreens at home, you need a light source (like a shelf, countertop, or windowsill), a shallow container with drainage holes for your plants to grow in, and an organic potting mix.
You can either grow your microgreens from seed or from seedlings that you get from a nursery.
1. Start with a shallow, wide container like a plastic tray, a pie dish, or a wooden box with drainage holes.
2. Fill the container almost to the top with organic potting mix.
3. Spread your seeds evenly over the surface of the soil.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix or a piece of cheesecloth.
5. Water the seeds until the soil is moist but not soggy.
6. Place the container in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
7. Keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering it when the top layer of soil feels dry.
8. When the microgreens are 2-3 inches tall, cut them just above the soil line with a sharp knife or scissors.
9. Enjoy your microgreens!
Conclusion
Microgreens are a great way to add fresh, nutritious greens to your diet, and they’re easy to grow at home with just a few simple supplies. All you need is a shallow container, some potting mix, and some seeds. Once you’ve planted your seeds, water them regularly and give them plenty of light, and in just a few weeks you’ll have a crop of microgreens to harvest. Enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish on your favorite dishes.
Blossom and Broom is a home and gardening blog that offers valuable tips and other information that can help you start your journey in growing your own food and keeping your home in its best shape! Check out our other helpful posts today!
