Key Takeaways:
- Nutreint Powerhouse: Microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than fully-grown plants, making them a great daily supplement for vitamins and minerals.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients: Packed with Vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as minerals like manganese and folate to support overall health.
- Loaded with Antioxidants: Microgreens are rich in polyphenols, which help reduce the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Supports Weight Management & Heart Health: Studies suggest that microgreens can help with weight control, reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), and lower triglycerides.
- Easy to Grow at Home: With just seeds, trays, and organic potting mix, you can grow microgreens on your countertop all year round.
- Versatile & Delicious: Microgreens add a nutritious boost to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and avocado toast, making them an easy addition to your diet.
Eating microgreens is like taking a daily multivitamin in salad form. Microgreens are packed with nutrition and have up to 40 times more nutrients by weight than their fully-grown counterparts. What are all those excellent nutrients that are packed into such a tiny leaf?
Lots of vitamins:
Vitamins A, B, C, and K
Minerals:
Manganese and folate, to name a few
Polyphenols:
Say what? These are potent antioxidants important in preventing heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
A study that looked at benefits gained from microgreens. showed microgreens help reduce weight gain and decrease bad or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Are you convinced yet that microgreens are right for you?
Ok, I’ll get off my doctor’s soapbox and just tell you how you can grow them.
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Supplies for How to Grow Microgreens:
1. Seeds: I purchase a pkg of seeds that have a variety of micro-greens. I will buy a spicy mix and a mild mix and mix them together before I plant them. This gives me about ten different types of microgreens, all in one growing container.
2. Seed starting trays: I use two small trays with holes for drainage that fit into a larger tray without drainage holes.
3. Organic potting mix: you can obtain it from here.
Method:
- Fill the seed starting tray 2/3 full of moistened organic potting mix.
- Sprinkle the seed mix on top of the soil. For a 12 by 12 container I use about a teaspoon of seeds.
- Cover with about 1/4 inch or more potting mix.
- It is not necessary to put the trays in direct light. A place on your countertop will work just fine. The microgreen seeds will sprout in a few days, and you will see tiny green shoots poking up through the soil. After about a week, your living salad will be ready to cut and enjoy.
Cut the microgreens off just above the soil. They should be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches tall. Add them to avocado toast or mix them into a salad with lettuce, sunflower, and pea shoots. They are delicious in a sandwich or wrap.
YUM. Remember, you can grow microgreens year-round in your kitchen. A great way to get lots of extra vitamins and minerals during the winter cold and flu season. Want to keep your microgreens fresh for several weeks? Now that you know How to Grow Microgreens, hop over to my blog on How to store your greens.
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FAQ:
Q: What makes microgreens more nutritious than mature plants?
A: Microgreens are harvested at an early stage when their nutrient concentration is at its peak, often containing up to 40 times more vitamins and antioxidants than their full-grown counterparts.
Q: How long does it take to grow microgreens?
A: Most microgreens are ready to harvest in about 7 days, with visible sprouts appearing in just a few days.
Q: Do I need a lot of space or special equipment to grow microgreens?
A: No! Microgreens can be grown on a kitchen countertop using seed trays, organic potting mix, and good-quality seeds—no garden required.
Q: Do microgreens need direct sunlight?
A: Not necessarily. A bright spot on your countertop works fine. They don’t require direct sunlight, but good natural or artificial light helps with growth.
Q: How do I store microgreens to keep them fresh?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge with a paper towel to absorb moisture. This helps them stay fresh for several weeks.
Q: How can I use microgreens in my meals?
A: Microgreens add a fresh, flavorful boost to salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, and even avocado toast. They’re a delicious and easy way to get extra nutrients!
