What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are baby/sprout vegetables that are around 7 to 12 days old. They are concentrated in nutritional content and excellent aromatic flavour. Depending on the variety of vegetable seeds used, they vary in taste, colour and textures.
Microgreens are very easy to grow, typically ready to be consumed within 7-12 days. They continue to stay alive while you only cut the amount that you need, allowing the rest to grow.
TOP 15 Common, Easy to Grow Microgreens
1. Broccoli
2. Radish
3. Pak Choy
4. Choy Sum
5. Arugula
6. Carrot
7. Celery
8. Amaranth
9. Corn
10. Wheatgrass
11. Beetroot
12. Dill
13. Coriander
14. Sunflower
15. Sweetcorn
Health Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens being the mini version of their adult counterpart, they’re compact with high amounts of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. They often contain greater amounts of nutrients than their mature stage.
How to Start Your Own Microgreen
Things to Prepare:
1. Tray (1.5-2.5 in. deep)
2. Alfalfa seeds
3. Peatmoss / Cocopeat
4. Organic Fertiliser (Optional)
Guide to Growing Alfalfa (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Prepare a Tray (~1.5 to 2.5 in. deep).
2. Fill the tray with peatmoss / cocopeat up to 80% deep. Spread the substrate to form a flat surface.
3. Use a seed shaker / scatter Alfalfa Seeds evenly throughout the surface of the substrate. Making sure no segregation of seeds which might affect the growth of the microgreen.
4. Sprinkle a thin layer of peatmoss / cocopeat over the seeds evenly.
5. Sprinkle water over the seeds gently with abundance. Use a spray to help with this.
6. Place the tray on your window sill, or a place with subtle sunlight.
7. Cover the tray gently with a piece of cloth or plastic to create a green house effect. Humid and warm environment helps promote germination of seeds.
8. Spray / sprinkle water daily to keep the seeds moist.
9. Once the seeds begin to germinate, remove the cover to allow maximum sunlight (minimal heat) to hit the seeds.
10. Allow the sprouts to shoot up to 4 inches high (~7-12 days).
11. Alfalfa sprouts are ready to harvest. Hold a bunch and snip the alfalfa sprouts right above the substrate.
12. You may harvest as much as you’d like to consume, and leave the rest continue to grow.
13. Store the freshly cut microgreen in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Eat Microgreens
Microgreens are very versatile when it comes to different methods to consume them. They’re most commonly made into sandwiches, included in salad bowls for a good nutrient punch or garnish to elevate the dish for colour or flavour.
They can also be blended into juice with fruits to make healthy green smoothies.
