Microgreens

Name: Microgreens — the tiny, tender seedlings of vegetables, herbs and grains, harvested 1 to 3 weeks after sprouting, when the first true leaves appear. Common kinds include radish, broccoli, pea shoots, sunflower, beet, mustard and coriander. They are bigger than sprouts and smaller than baby greens.

Description

Microgreens emerged in the 1980s in California restaurants, as a way to add colour, flavour and delicate texture to dishes, and are now widely grown by small farms and at home. They are grown in soil or on mats, and are cut above the roots, unlike sprouts, which are eaten whole with the seed and root, grown in water.

Each microgreen has the flavour of the mature plant in a concentrated form: radish microgreens are peppery, pea shoots sweet, basil aromatic and red cabbage mild. They are used as a garnish and as a nutritious salad ingredient.

Main nutrition value

Microgreens contain vitamins C, E and K and carotenoids, and some studies have found higher concentrations of certain nutrients than in mature leaves, though they are eaten in small amounts.

How best to be consumed

Microgreens are eaten fresh and raw, as a garnish or salad.

1. Scatter over salads, soups, sandwiches, eggs and avocado toast.
2. Use as a colourful garnish for fish, meat and plated dishes.
3. Blend into smoothies, pesto and dips.
4. Grow your own on a windowsill with seeds, damp paper or compost.
5. Wash gently, dry well, and store in the fridge for a few days.

Overconsumption could cause…

Microgreens are safe in food amounts, with a hygiene point.

1. Food poisoning risk, since seeds and warm, humid growing conditions can support bacteria, so buy from reputable sources and wash.
2. Thyroid effects from very large amounts of raw brassica microgreens in people with thyroid conditions.
3. Cost and low calorie content, which means they are no substitute for larger servings of vegetables.
4. Allergic reactions in rare cases.

GroupsLeafy Green VegetablesFresh

Related foodsAmaranth Greens / BayamBaby Bok ChoyBaby SpinachBeet GreensBok Choy / Pak ChoyButterhead Lettuce

Wikipedia — Microgreen, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgreen