What Are Microgreens? Complete Guide to Growing & Health Benefits
- Olivia Tsang
- Jul 20
- 16 min read
I've been fascinated by microgreens ever since I discovered these tiny nutritional powerhouses that have taken the culinary world by storm. These young vegetable seedlings, measuring just 1-3 inches tall, pack an incredible punch of flavor and nutrients that far exceeds their mature counterparts.
Since their debut in California restaurants during the 1980s, microgreens have evolved from simple garnishes to recognized superfoods. What makes them truly remarkable isn't just their vibrant colors and concentrated flavors – it's their exceptional nutritional density. Research shows these "vegetable confetti" contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to fully grown vegetables.
Whether you're looking to boost your daily nutrition, add visual appeal to your dishes, or explore sustainable growing options, microgreens offer an accessible solution. I'll guide you through everything you need to know about these remarkable plants and how they can transform both your health and your meals.
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that measure approximately 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) tall. I classify these plants as seedlings of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that fall between sprouts and baby greens in their development stage. Scientists harvest microgreens between 7-21 days after germination, depending on the variety.
These tender immature seedlings consist of developed cotyledons along with partially expanded true leaves. I find their concentrated nutrient content particularly impressive, as they often contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. Microgreens pack dense nutrition into their small size, making them what researchers call a functional food.
The flavor profile of microgreens is aromatic and concentrated, offering more intense taste than full-grown vegetables. I observe that they come in a variety of colors and textures, earning them the playful nickname "vegetable confetti" in culinary circles. Chefs treasure microgreens for their immaculate and tender texture combined with vibrant colors that brighten any dish.
Microgreens contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds including:
Nutrient Category | Examples |
Vitamins | Ascorbic acid, tocopherol, folate |
Antioxidants | Carotenoids, anthocyanins |
Specialized Compounds | Glucosinolates, phylloquinones, tocotrienols, phytosterols |
I emphasize that microgreens are suitable for eating raw, which means they retain their complete vitamin and mineral content. They serve multiple culinary purposes beyond garnishing, including additions to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and both sweet and savory dishes. Their short shelf life of approximately one week makes them expensive to purchase commercially, which explains why many people explore how to grow microgreens at home.
Health Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens deliver exceptional nutritional value that sets them apart from their mature counterparts. Research shows these tiny greens contain 4-6 times higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to fully grown vegetables, making them a true nutritional powerhouse.
Concentrated Nutrient Density
I find the nutrient concentration in microgreens remarkable. Red cabbage microgreens provide exceptionally high levels of vitamin C, while green daikon radish microgreens contain substantial amounts of vitamin E. Broccoli microgreens are particularly rich in sulforaphane, a compound linked to cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies demonstrate that some microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature forms.
Disease Prevention Properties
Regular consumption of microgreens offers significant health protection benefits. These nutrient-dense greens may help manage Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular disease risk, and lower cancer occurrence rates. The high antioxidant content in microgreens supports cellular protection from oxidative stress and damage, which contributes to preventing chronic conditions.
Specific Health Impact Areas
Microgreens target multiple health concerns effectively:
Health Benefit | Key Compounds | Example Microgreens |
Heart Disease Prevention | Antioxidants, Vitamin E | Radish, Broccoli |
Cancer Risk Reduction | Sulforaphane | Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage |
Vision Health Support | Lutein | Cilantro, Amaranth |
Anemia Prevention | Iron, Vitamin C | Red Cabbage, Arugula |
Alzheimer's Protection | Antioxidants | Various leafy varieties |
Immune System and Mental Health Support
The bioactive compounds in microgreens bolster immune function while regulating mood patterns. These phytonutrients and phytosterols reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, enhancing overall wellbeing through their diverse nutritional profile.
Versatile Nutritional Integration
Are microgreens good for you? Absolutely - they're suitable for raw consumption, which preserves their vitamin and mineral content completely. I can easily incorporate them into salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or use them as garnishes, making their exceptional nutritional benefits accessible in various meal formats.
How to grow microgreens
Growing microgreens at home requires minimal equipment and delivers fresh harvests within 7-21 days. I've found that this simple process yields nutrient-dense greens year-round with little space investment.
Materials for microgreen cultivation
The basic supplies include seed trays or shallow containers, certified organic seeds suitable for microgreens like broccoli, radish, sunflower, or herbs, and a quality growing medium such as potting soil or seed raising mix. You'll also need a spray bottle for misting, labels to mark varieties and planting dates, and optionally plastic wrap or a lid for initial germination.
Step-by-step growing process
Preparation: Fill your container with growing medium without overcompressing it, leaving about ½ inch from the rim. Water the soil lightly until it feels like a damp sponge.
Sowing: Distribute seeds evenly across the surface, spacing them approximately ¼ inch apart. Press seeds gently into the soil and cover with ⅛ inch of growing medium.
Germination phase: Mist seeds with water and cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain moisture. Place the tray in a warm location and check daily, misting as needed to keep seeds consistently moist.
Light exposure: Remove the cover 2-3 days after germination when seedlings emerge. Position trays in a location receiving 4-6 hours of sunlight daily or under artificial lighting for 12-16 hours.
Daily maintenance: Water once daily by misting lightly to avoid overwatering, which can cause fungal issues. Monitor moisture levels carefully since water activates seed dormancy and ensures proper sprouting.
When to harvest microgreens
Microgreens reach harvest readiness when their first true leaves appear but before the plant grows large, typically 7-21 days after germination depending on the variety. Cut stems at soil level using clean scissors or a sharp knife, leaving roots and seed hulls in the growing medium. The harvested microgreens store in the refrigerator for 10-12 days when properly handled.
Growing considerations and sustainability
Do microgreens regrow after harvesting? Unfortunately, microgreens won't regrow after the initial harvest since you cut them at the root level. For continuous production, stagger plantings every few days using fresh seeds and soil.
Advanced growers can explore aquaponics systems that combine fish farming with plant cultivation, providing natural nutrients while conserving water. This sustainable method produces year-round harvests with reduced environmental impact.
Growing microgreens outdoors
Growing microgreens outdoors offers distinct advantages over indoor cultivation, including natural sunlight exposure and fresh air circulation that can enhance plant development. I've found that outdoor cultivation provides optimal growing conditions when weather permits, though it requires attention to environmental factors that indoor growing eliminates.
The outdoor growing process mirrors indoor techniques with specific environmental considerations. I scatter seeds ¼ inch apart on quality potting soil or compost-based growing medium, then gently press them into the surface. After covering with ⅛ inch of growing medium, I mist the soil until it feels like a damp sponge without waterlogging.
Outdoor microgreens require 12-16 hours of light daily, which natural sunlight provides during longer days. I position containers in locations receiving at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, typically on south-facing areas for maximum exposure. During shorter winter days or cloudy periods, supplemental UV lighting may be necessary to maintain optimal growth rates.
Weather protection becomes crucial for successful outdoor cultivation. I cover containers during heavy rain to prevent oversaturation and seed displacement. Wind protection helps maintain consistent moisture levels and prevents delicate seedlings from drying out. Temperature fluctuations can affect germination timing, with warmer conditions accelerating growth while cooler weather extends the 7-14 day harvest window.
Pest management requires vigilance in outdoor environments. Birds, insects, and small animals may target fresh microgreens, making row covers or fine mesh protection beneficial during vulnerable growth stages. I inspect plantings daily for signs of pest damage or disease, which spreads more rapidly in outdoor humidity conditions.
When to harvest microgreens depends on species and growing conditions, but outdoor plants typically reach harvest size within 7-14 days when first true leaves appear fully developed. I cut microgreens at soil level using clean scissors, collecting entire crops at once since microgreens don't regrow after harvesting.
Growing Factor | Outdoor Requirements |
Light Duration | 12-16 hours daily |
Harvest Time | 7-14 days |
Seed Spacing | ¼ inch apart |
Soil Coverage | ⅛ inch depth |
Daily Maintenance | Moisture monitoring, pest inspection |
Outdoor containers work well for small-space cultivation, making balconies and patios suitable for microgreen production. I use shallow trays or repurposed containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The quick turnaround time allows multiple harvests throughout growing seasons, maximizing small outdoor spaces for continuous fresh microgreen production.
Growing microgreens indoors
Indoor microgreen cultivation offers year-round growing opportunities with complete environmental control. I've found that understanding how to grow microgreens indoors requires minimal equipment and space while delivering maximum nutritional returns.
Essential equipment and setup
Growing microgreens indoors requires basic materials that fit any kitchen counter. Essential supplies include shallow containers or trays, organic potting soil or hydroponic mediums like coconut coir, quality microgreen seeds, and a spray bottle for misting. I recommend using containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged growing conditions.
Seeds suitable for indoor microgreen production include arugula, kale, sunflower, radish, mustard, basil, and broccoli. These varieties germinate readily and develop quickly in controlled indoor environments.
Optimal growing conditions
Microgreens thrive in specific indoor conditions that I've tested extensively. They require at least 4 hours of sunlight daily, with south- or west-facing windows providing the best natural light exposure. Temperature ranges between 65-75°F create ideal germination and growth conditions.
The growing medium stays consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. I water microgreens using a fine mist spray to prevent seed displacement and maintain proper moisture levels throughout the growing cycle.
Step-by-step growing process
Fill containers with 1-2 inches of organic potting soil without over-compressing the medium. Distribute seeds evenly across the soil surface at the recommended density for each variety. Cover seeds lightly with a thin soil layer and mist gently with water.
Place plastic covers or lids over containers during the initial 2-3 days to maintain humidity and encourage germination. Remove covers once seedlings emerge and expose them to light sources. Continue daily misting to keep soil moist but not saturated.
Harvest timing and storage
When to harvest microgreens depends on cotyledon development and first true leaf appearance. Most varieties reach harvest maturity within 7-14 days after planting. I cut microgreens just above soil level using clean scissors when they measure 1-3 inches tall.
Fresh harvested microgreens store in refrigerator containers for 7-10 days when kept at 35-40°F. Do microgreens regrow after cutting? No, each planting produces a single harvest, requiring replanting for continuous production.
Advantages of indoor cultivation
Indoor growing eliminates pesticide exposure since microgreens develop without chemical treatments or fertilizers. Year-round production provides consistent fresh harvests regardless of outdoor weather conditions. Container gardening fits small spaces including apartments and urban dwellings.
The controlled environment reduces pest issues and disease pressure compared to outdoor cultivation methods. I've achieved consistent results with minimal effort using this indoor approach for continuous microgreen production.
When to harvest microgreens
Determining when to harvest microgreens requires careful observation of their growth stages and timing. Microgreens reach peak harvesting conditions between 8 to 21 days after sowing, depending on the specific variety you're growing.
The optimal harvest window occurs when seedlings develop their first true leaves after the initial cotyledons (seed leaves) have fully expanded. At this stage, microgreens typically measure 1 to 3 inches tall and display their most vibrant colors and intense flavors.
I watch for these key indicators that signal harvest readiness:
Cotyledon development: The seed leaves appear fully opened and green
True leaf emergence: Small adult leaves begin forming above the cotyledons
Height measurement: Plants reach approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches in height
Color intensity: Leaves display bright, saturated colors characteristic of each variety
Texture firmness: Stems feel crisp and leaves appear fresh without yellowing
Variety | Days to Harvest | Height at Harvest |
Radish | 8-12 days | 1-2 inches |
Broccoli | 10-14 days | 1.5-2 inches |
Pea shoots | 14-21 days | 2-3 inches |
Sunflower | 12-16 days | 2-2.5 inches |
Kale | 12-18 days | 1.5-2.5 inches |
Harvesting technique involves cutting the stems just above the soil line using clean scissors or a sharp knife. I make clean cuts approximately ¼ inch above the growing medium to avoid soil contamination and ensure the cleanest harvest possible.
Timing impacts both flavor and nutritional content significantly. Harvesting too early results in underdeveloped flavors, while waiting too long causes leaves to become bitter and tough. Once microgreens transition beyond the true leaf stage and begin resembling baby greens, they've passed their optimal harvest window.
After cutting, microgreens don't regrow from the remaining roots and stems, requiring fresh seeds for subsequent crops. This single-harvest characteristic distinguishes microgreens from herbs and leafy greens that regenerate after cutting.
Fresh harvested microgreens maintain peak quality for 10 to 12 days when stored properly in refrigerated conditions between 35°F to 40°F with adequate moisture control.
Can Microgreens Regrow After Cutting?
Most microgreens don't regrow after cutting, making them a single-harvest crop that requires fresh seeds for each growing cycle. The energy stored in the seed gets depleted during the initial growth phase, leaving insufficient resources for the plant to produce new leaves after harvest.
I've observed that microgreens use their entire seed energy reserve to develop their first set of true leaves and cotyledons. Once you cut these tender shoots, the remaining plant lacks the stored nutrients needed for regrowth. This biological limitation makes microgreens fundamentally different from cut-and-come-again crops like lettuce or herbs.
Limited Exceptions to Regrowth
Some microgreen varieties occasionally show minimal regrowth potential, though this remains unreliable for consistent production. Pea shoots represent one of the few exceptions that may produce limited secondary growth under specific conditions.
Microgreen Type | Regrowth Potential | Success Rate |
Pea shoots | Limited secondary growth | 10-15% |
Most varieties | No regrowth | 0% |
Leafy greens | Rare regrowth | Under 5% |
For regrowth to occur, you'd need to leave at least one inch of the shoot above the soil line and ensure the plant has established strong roots. Even then, the flavor often becomes compromised and growth significantly slows compared to fresh plantings.
Risks of Attempting Regrowth
Attempting to regrow harvested microgreens increases contamination risks from mold and bacterial pathogens. The exposed plant tissue from cutting creates entry points for harmful microorganisms, particularly in the moist growing environment that microgreens require.
I recommend starting fresh batches from seed rather than attempting regrowth. This approach ensures optimal flavor, texture, and nutritional content while maintaining food safety standards. The rapid 7-21 day growing cycle makes continuous fresh production more practical than unreliable regrowth attempts.
Maximizing Your Microgreen Production
Since do microgreens regrow isn't a viable strategy, staggered planting becomes essential for continuous harvests. Plant new trays every 3-4 days to maintain a steady supply of fresh microgreens throughout the year.
Consider the investment in seeds minimal compared to the guaranteed quality and safety of fresh plantings. Each tray produces abundant microgreens from a small seed quantity, making the cost-per-harvest extremely economical even without regrowth potential.
How to Include Microgreens in Your Diet
Microgreens are incredibly versatile and offer multiple ways to enhance your daily nutrition while adding vibrant colors and intense flavors to meals. I've found that eating them raw preserves their maximum nutritional content since cooking can degrade vitamins and enzymes.
Salads provide the most straightforward method for incorporating microgreens. I toss handfuls of broccoli, radish, or kale microgreens into green salads for added texture and a nutritional boost that can contain 4 to 40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables. Grain salads also benefit from the concentrated flavors and colorful appearance these tender seedlings provide.
Sandwiches and wraps offer another excellent opportunity to replace or supplement traditional lettuce. I layer pea shoots, sunflower greens, or arugula microgreens directly onto bread or tortillas for enhanced vitamin A, C, E, and K content. The concentrated flavor profile means I use smaller quantities while achieving greater nutritional impact.
Smoothies work well with milder varieties like pea shoots or sunflower microgreens. I blend them with fruits and other vegetables to increase iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc intake without overwhelming the taste. The bioavailable nutrients in microgreens mean my body absorbs these minerals efficiently.
Garnishes and toppings maximize visual appeal while delivering concentrated nutrition. I sprinkle microgreens on soups, grain bowls, omelets, pizzas, and avocado toast just before serving. This technique preserves their delicate texture and ensures optimal nutrient retention.
Specific preparation methods help maintain the health benefits that make microgreens good for you. I store harvested microgreens in the refrigerator for 10-12 days maximum and rinse them gently before use. Adding them to hot dishes at the end of cooking prevents nutrient loss while maintaining their crisp texture and intense flavors.
Microgreens recipes
Microgreens excel in both sweet and savory applications due to their concentrated flavors and impressive nutritional profiles. These versatile greens contain 4 to 40 times more nutrients and antioxidants than mature plants, making every recipe more nutritionally dense.
Microgreens Salad Recipes
Microgreens and Quinoa Power Salad delivers complete nutrition through strategic ingredient pairing. Combine 1 cup cooked quinoa with 2 cups mixed microgreens (pea shoots, kohlrabi red, sunflower), ½ cup red beans, ½ diced red pepper, 1 sliced avocado, ¼ cup red onion, and ½ cup chickpeas. Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture. Create the dressing by whisking 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. This combination provides essential amino acids, fiber, and the concentrated vitamins A, C, E, K, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc found in microgreens.
Mediterranean Microgreen Blend maximizes antioxidant content through diverse microgreen varieties. Mix 3 cups assorted microgreens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil and lemon to enhance nutrient absorption.
Flavorful Microgreens Condiments
Microgreens Pesto transforms ordinary pasta dishes into nutrient powerhouses. Blend 2 cups fresh microgreens (basil Italian, arugula, cilantro), ½ cup fresh basil, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup toasted pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, zest and juice of 1 lemon, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, adjusting oil consistency as needed. This pesto concentrates the polyphenols and carotenoids from microgreens into an easily stored condiment.
Microgreens Chimichurri adds international flair while preserving raw nutrition. Combine 1 cup mixed microgreens with parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil for a vibrant sauce that pairs with grilled proteins.
Creative Microgreens Applications
Garnish Integration elevates presentation while adding nutritional value. Sprinkle microgreens over soups just before serving to maintain their vitamin content and add textural contrast. Layer them atop grain bowls for temperature variety and visual appeal.
Stuffed Vegetables Enhancement increases nutrient density in familiar dishes. Mix microgreens into stuffed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini fillings to boost vitamin and mineral content without compromising flavor balance.
Smoothie Incorporation provides subtle nutrition boosts when using milder varieties like pea shoots or sunflower microgreens. Add ¼ cup to fruit smoothies for additional iron, folate, and antioxidants without overpowering taste profiles.
Recipe Type | Microgreen Varieties | Nutritional Boost | Preparation Time |
Salads | Pea shoots, arugula, radish | 4-40x more vitamins | 10 minutes |
Pesto | Basil, cilantro, arugula | Concentrated antioxidants | 15 minutes |
Garnishes | Any variety | Raw vitamin retention | 2 minutes |
Smoothies | Mild varieties (pea, sunflower) | Added minerals | 5 minutes |
These recipes maximize the nutritional benefits of microgreens while incorporating them seamlessly into everyday meals. Raw preparation preserves their exceptional vitamin and mineral content, ensuring you receive the full spectrum of health benefits these concentrated greens provide.
How Long Will Microgreens Last?
Harvested microgreens last 5 to 7 days when stored properly at optimal refrigerator temperatures. Store-bought microgreens typically remain fresh for 10–12 days in refrigerated conditions, while home-harvested varieties can maintain quality for up to two weeks with proper handling techniques.
Storage duration varies significantly by variety. Heartier microgreens like sunflower, scallions, and pea tendrils can extend their shelf life up to three weeks when maintained at consistent temperatures around 4°C (39°F). Delicate varieties such as basil microgreens deteriorate faster, lasting only 3 to 5 days after harvest.
Factors Affecting Microgreen Shelf Life
Temperature control plays the most critical role in extending microgreen longevity. Microgreens stored at 4°C maintain optimal quality for 14–21 days depending on the variety, while storage at 10°C dramatically reduces their usable lifespan. Higher temperatures accelerate respiration rates, causing rapid deterioration in visual quality and nutritional content.
Atmospheric conditions within packaging also impact preservation. Modified atmosphere packaging that decreases oxygen levels and increases CO2 concentration helps extend shelf life by slowing metabolic processes. Light exposure in retail environments degrades nutritional quality, making proper storage essential until consumption.
Storage Best Practices
Excessive moisture causes rapid deterioration in microgreens due to their high water content and delicate structure. Wash microgreens immediately before consumption rather than after purchase to prevent premature spoilage. Keep them in their original packaging or transfer to breathable containers that prevent moisture accumulation.
Refrigerate microgreens at consistent temperatures below 4°C to maximize their usable life. Avoid storing them near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, which can accelerate aging processes and reduce quality retention.
Microgreen Variety | Average Shelf Life | Storage Temperature |
Sunflower | 2-3 weeks | 4°C (39°F) |
Pea Shoots | 2-3 weeks | 4°C (39°F) |
Scallions | 2-3 weeks | 4°C (39°F) |
Radish | 10-14 days | 4°C (39°F) |
Broccoli | 7-10 days | 4°C (39°F) |
Basil | 3-5 days | 4°C (39°F) |
Postharvest treatments including chlorine washing, ascorbic acid application, and citric acid treatment can preserve physiochemical properties during storage periods. These methods help maintain nutritional density while preventing contamination that could shorten usable life spans.
The Bottom Line
Microgreens offer an incredible opportunity to supercharge your nutrition while adding vibrant flavors to your meals. These tiny powerhouses pack 4-6 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts and can transform ordinary dishes into nutrient-dense culinary experiences.
Whether you're growing them indoors year-round or outdoors during favorable seasons I've found that microgreens are surprisingly easy to cultivate at home. With minimal equipment and just 7-21 days from seed to harvest you can enjoy fresh microgreens continuously.
From boosting your immune system to supporting heart health and potentially reducing disease risk these little greens deliver big results. I recommend starting with simple varieties like radish or broccoli and gradually expanding your microgreen garden as you discover your favorites.
The investment in seeds and basic supplies pays off quickly when you consider the nutritional value and culinary versatility these superfoods bring to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings harvested between 7-21 days after germination when they're 1-3 inches tall. They consist of developed cotyledons and partially expanded true leaves, offering concentrated nutrients and intense flavors. Often called "vegetable confetti," these superfoods contain 4-6 times higher vitamin and antioxidant levels than mature vegetables.
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Most microgreens are ready for harvest within 7-21 days after sowing, depending on the variety. Fast-growing types like radish and arugula can be harvested in 7-10 days, while slower varieties may take up to 21 days. They're ready when the first true leaves appear and reach 1-3 inches in height.
Can you regrow microgreens after cutting?
No, most microgreens cannot regrow after cutting since they're a single-harvest crop. The seed's energy is depleted during initial growth, leaving insufficient resources for regrowth. While some varieties like pea shoots may show limited regrowth, it's unreliable and compromises flavor. Fresh seeds are needed for each growing cycle.
How long do microgreens last after harvest?
Home-harvested microgreens typically last 5-7 days when stored properly, while store-bought varieties can remain fresh for 10-12 days. Heartier types like sunflower and pea shoots may last up to three weeks, while delicate varieties like basil only last 3-5 days. Proper refrigeration at 4°C (39°F) extends freshness significantly.
What equipment do I need to grow microgreens at home?
You need minimal equipment: shallow seed trays or containers with drainage holes, organic seeds, quality growing medium (soil or coconut coir), and a spray bottle for misting. For indoor growing, add LED grow lights or place near a sunny window. Optional items include pH strips and measuring tools.
Are microgreens safe to eat raw?
Yes, microgreens are safe to eat raw and are typically consumed this way to preserve maximum nutritional content. However, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children under 5, and older adults should exercise caution. Always use clean seeds, maintain proper growing conditions, and wash before consumption.
Which microgreens are not safe to eat?
Avoid microgreens from the nightshade family including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. These contain toxic alkaloids like solanine that can cause digestive and nervous system problems. Stick to safe varieties like broccoli, radish, sunflower, pea shoots, and leafy greens for home cultivation.
Can I grow microgreens without soil?
Yes, microgreens can be grown without soil using hydroponic methods. Options include coconut coir, peat moss, vermiculite, or specialized growing mats. Some varieties like wheatgrass can even grow on damp paper towels. Soilless growing reduces contamination risk and makes harvesting cleaner.
What are the health benefits of microgreens?
Microgreens offer exceptional health benefits with 4-6 times higher nutrient concentrations than mature vegetables. They may help manage Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular disease risk, lower cancer occurrence rates, support vision health, prevent anemia, and protect against Alzheimer's disease due to their high antioxidant content and bioactive compounds.
How should I store fresh microgreens?
Store microgreens in the refrigerator at 4°C (39°F) in breathable containers or plastic bags with air holes. Don't wash until ready to consume. Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture and maintain optimal humidity for maximum freshness and shelf life.
