Here’s All The Information You Need About Microgreens

Health & Well-beingApril 25, 2022

Ever since microgreens were introduced in restaurants in California back in the 1980s, they have gained much fame. These scented greens, also called vegetable confetti or micro herbs, have a rich flavor and volunteer to be the pop of color in many dishes.

Pexels | Don’t underestimate the green by the size of it, because although they aren’t the largest you may find, they often carry nutrient levels that are higher than most vegetable greens

Today we are breaking down all the health benefits of microgreens so you can take maximum advantage of this nutrition powerhouse.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are roughly one to three inches and are known to be young vegetable greens. Microgreens fall somewhere in the middle of the baby green plant and sprout, hence, it is given the name of green plants.

Shutterstock | They come in a variety of textures and colors and also contain a concentrated nutrient content

Microgreens resemble more to baby greens with the fact that only the leaves and stems are considered to be edible. However, they are much smaller in size as compared to baby greens and they can be bought before even harvested. You can easily buy the entire plant and cut it at home whenever you want. And don’t worry, they’ll stay alive until they are consumed.

It’s very easy and convenient to grow and take care of a microgreen. You can grow them in various places such as a windowsill, outdoors, or a greenhouse.

Types of Microgreens

There are many seeds through which microgreens can be grown.

The most known microgreens are produced by using seeds from plant families such as:

Asteraceae Family – endive, lettuce, radicchio, and chicory.
Brassicaceae Family – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, watercress, arugula.
Amaranthaceae Family – spinach, quinoa swiss chard, amaranth, and beet.
Apiaceae Family – carrot, celery, dill, and fennel.
Cucurbitaceae Family – squash, melon, and cucumber.

Pexels | Some cereals are grown into microgreens as well, which include oats, rice, wheat, barley, and corn; and even some legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans

Nutrients in Microgreens

Microgreens contain a heavy variety of nutrients.

It is a fact that microgreens’ nutrient content varies just a tad bit. But for the most part, all microgreens include richness in potassium zinc, copper, iron, magnesium. Microgreens have concentrated nutrient content which means that they often consist of higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, than mature greens that are of the same quantity.