Microgreens are a superfood fad here to stay (2024)

Microgreens first became big when chefs began using just-sprouted greens to add flavor accents and artistic garnishes to high-end dishes. These tiny, flavorful and nutritious greens quickly caught on, and today, microgreens are firmly in the mainstream — especially now that consumers have caught on to their superfood status. Harvested an average of a week after germination, microgreens (which are only one to three inches tall) pack a healthy punch with up to 40 times the vital nutrients of their fully grown counterparts.

What counts as a microgreen?

Although microgreens can come in a variety of flavors, some of the most popular include amaranth, broccoli, mustard, beet and kale.

They can be grown indoors or outdoors, in soil, or hydroponically with a nonsoil medium for the roots to grab on to — the method utilized by Vertical Harvest in their three-story greenhouse in Jackson, Wyoming. Today they can be found at just about any farmers’ market or specialty grocer and grown at home in even the smallest spaces.

Petite, yet packed with flavor and nutrition

Microgreens add flavor, texture and color to dishes and also pack a nutrient-dense punch. Much like their older superfood siblings such as kale and mustard greens, the popularity of microgreens continues to increase with more and more education around their health benefits and nutritional value.

In a 2012 article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers set out to validate the nutritional value of microgreens and were astonished by the results. High levels of vitamin C, K and E were found among red cabbage, garnet amaranth and green daikon radish microgreens. Cilantro microgreens were found richest in lutein and beta carotene.

With antioxidant properties, all of these nutrients are extremely important for skin and eye health. Due to their high protein content, microgreens help regulate metabolism and decrease blood pressure. And because they are intended to eat raw, their vitamin and mineral content remain when consumed.

Microgreens are a superfood fad here to stay (2)

Know your tiny green varieties

Not to be confused with one another, sprouts, microgreens and baby greens refer to different stages of normal plant growth.

Sprouts refer to the first growing phase, after the first two underdeveloped embryonic leaves, called cotyledons, appear and the entire plant — seeds, roots and shoot — is consumed.

After these cotyledons develop and the beginning of true leaves appear is the time to harvest microgreens, once the stems reach one to three inches tall. Only microgreen stems and leaves are edible, not the seeds and roots.

Baby greens have developed their first two true leaves at least 14 days or up to 40 after germination. They are harvested at a tender, mild and tasty stage before the plant is fully grown.

Topical — for more than one reason

These powerful little greens have broken beyond the culinary world; the high levels of vitamins A and B and other microelements found in microgreens has attracted interest in the cosmetics industry. Microgreens are being processed into oils and ingredients for consumer items such as shampoo and skincare products.

Although microgreens can be considered pricey, the nutritional benefits might justify the cost. And with a growing interest for sustainability in urban areas, microgreens’ ability to be grown hydroponically offers an easy way for families to have access to locally produced vegetables. They are also incredibly easy to grow at home and require limited time, space and gardening skills.

Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Microgreens are a superfood fad here to stay (2024)
Top Articles
Student, 17, makes $72MILLION from trading stocks on lunch breaks
14 Ways To Winterize Your Home On A Budget
Formulaire 3CEp - COPRAUDIT
Madden 23 Solo Battles
104 Whiley Road Lancaster Ohio
Mensenlinq: Overlijdensberichten zoeken in 2024
Pizza Hut Order Online Near Me
Convert Ng Dl To Pg Ml
Leccion 4 Lesson Test
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
Telegram X (Android)
Inloggen bij AH Sam - E-Overheid
Bobibanking Retail
Hessaire Mini Split Remote Control Manual
Hose Woe Crossword Clue
Shahala Middle School Shahala Middle School Student Handbook
Fintechzoommortgagecalculator.live Hours
Elisabeth Fuchs, Conductor : Magazine : salzburg.info
Craigslist Siloam Springs
Lexi Ainsworth Baby
Flyover Conservatives
Wharton Funeral Home Wharton Tx
Sweeterthanolives
Dr. Katrina (Katrina Hutchins) on LinkedIn: #dreambig #classof2025 #bestclassever #leadershipaugusta
Ohio Road Construction Map
Luciipurrrr_
R Toronto Blue Jays
Kaelis Dahlias
Go Karts For Sale Near Me Under $500
Proctor Funeral Home Obituaries Beaumont Texas
Optimizing Sports Performance Pueblo
Shruti Rajagopalan — On Spotting Talent, And Making Sense of Rising India (#152)
Newton Chevrolet Of Russellville Photos
Road Conditions Riverton Wy
Winsipedia
Hispanic supermarket chain Sedano's now delivering groceries in Orlando
Embu village mines precious coltan for years 'without knowing its value’
Phase 3 Cataclysm Classic New Changes, Preparation and Investments Guide
Whatcom County Food Handlers Permit
Ticket To Paradise Showtimes Near Laemmle Newhall
5Gomovies
Brooklyn Park City Hall
JPX Studios/item asylum
Star Wars Galaxy Of Heroes Webstore
Ny Lottery Second Chance App
Appsanywhere Mst
Showbiz Waxahachie Bowling Hours
German American Bank Owenton Ky
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Pkittens
Cpc 1190 Pill
Restaurants Near Defy Trampoline Park
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5482

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.