What ARE Microgreens, Anyway?
All of our talk about microgreens probably has you wondering... What ARE microgreens, anyway? In short, microgreens are the shoots of small vegetable plants, usually picked just after the first leaves develop. Microgreens can be grown and harvested from all sorts of different plants, including vegetables, herbs, and salad greens. These tasty little seedlings land somewhere between sprouts, which are germinated seeds soaked and grown for around 48 hours before being harvested, and baby greens, which are slightly younger versions of full-size greens. Harvesting many varieties of common greens and veggies somewhere around the seven to fourteen-day mark results in microgreens, flavor and nutrient-rich little shoots that work well in a variety of dishes.
So, what do you need to know about microgreens? Are they just the latest foodie trend, or could they be for you? Here at Never Dun Growing Co., we think there are at least three good reasons to consider adding microgreens to your dinner table.
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They're more nutritious than your vitamin tablets.
Microgreens are typically much more nutritious than their mature counterparts, packing a high concentration of vitamins and nutrients into a tiny seedling. In fact, some varieties have four to forty times the vitamin and nutrient levels that the mature versions of the plants have. Although the specific nutrient levels depend on the variety of microgreen, most are high in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper. Essential vitamins like vitamins C, E, K, and beta-carotene have also been found in several microgreen varieties.
They're jam-packed with lots of bold flavors.
Microgreens taste a lot like their full-grown equivalents but typically have a much stronger flavor. This means that they can be used in small doses and creative ways to give your next dinner a bold punch of flavor. Milder microgreens like pea and sunflower shoots are hearty and good with all sorts of foods--salads, scrambled eggs, cooked veggies, smoothies, even sandwiches. Some microgreens, like radishes, have a spicy flavor that can add a kick to your salads and sandwiches. Beets and turnips make great garnishes and can be used to dress up tacos and salads alike. Whatever you choose to eat them with, microgreens can be a powerful flavor-booster for your next meal.
They add a gourmet and colorful touch to the most monotonous dinners.
If you didn't know what microgreens were until now, you may still recognize them from the fancy plates of top chefs on TV or in high-end restaurants. If you want to impress your friends, pop some microgreens onto your plate for a fancy garnish. Due to their fresh, bright colors, microgreens are even known as "vegetable confetti" in some circles. Beet microgreens, in particular, make excellent garnishes, with their vibrant red stem color.
If you're interested in adding microgreens to your mealtime veggie or salad rotation, contact Never Dun Growing Co. Our microgreens are grown locally and cut fresh to sell at market. Catch us at the Geneseo Farmers Market or at the Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport, Iowa this season or contact us via email, Facebook, or phone if you have more questions!