Hey Canyon and Amarillo!
If you’ve ever tried microgreens or thought about growing your own, you might be interested in some recent research that’s making waves in the world of small-scale vegetable production. Microgreens are tiny, nutritious plants that are harvested just after they sprout. They come in many varieties and are known for their bright colors and strong flavors.
Why Are Microgreens a Big Deal?
Microgreens are not just eye-catching; they’re packed with nutrients. They often have more vitamins and antioxidants compared to fully-grown vegetables. Recent studies show that different factors can affect the nutrient content in these little greens, like the type of plant, the way it’s grown, and how it’s stored after harvest.
New Research and Findings
One exciting study focused on how to boost the nutritional quality of microgreens by changing how they’re grown before harvest. Researchers are exploring how different growing conditions and genetic factors influence the health benefits of microgreens. For instance, they’re experimenting with various fertilizers and growing mediums to find out which combinations produce the best results.
In particular, research on the mineral content of microgreens has shown that different species offer different benefits. For example, some microgreens are rich in potassium and calcium, while others provide more iron or zinc. This can be really helpful for people looking to improve their diet.
Indoor Growing Methods
As someone who grows microgreens indoors, I found the article interesting but not quite game-changing for my methods. My son, Ethan Triplett, PhD, who is a plant and soil scientist, has been keeping an eye on similar research. One of his colleagues is working on incorporating pre-harvest factors to enhance the nutritional quality of microgreens. So far, the results are pretty intriguing!
However, in terms of new tips or techniques that could directly impact my indoor farming, the article didn’t offer much. It’s still valuable for understanding the broader trends and ongoing research in the field.
What’s Next for Microgreens?
As interest in indoor farming and sustainability grows, microgreens continue to be a popular choice. They’re quick to grow, don’t need a lot of space, and can be produced with minimal resources. This makes them ideal for people who want fresh, nutritious greens right at home.
If you’re thinking about growing microgreens in Canyon or Amarillo, now is a great time to dive in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about these tiny but mighty plants.
Stay tuned for more updates and happy growing!
Thank you for reading! We are Dawn Farm, a USDA-registered Urban Farm located in Canyon, Texas, owned and operated by Tim and Suzan Triplett. We grow microgreens indoors using sustainable agricultural practices. We offer free deliveries to the Amarillo area. In the summertime, you can usually find us at the Canyon Farmers Market. Our mission is to provide fresh, nutritious, and eco-friendly greens to our community. Follow us for more tips, recipes, and updates on how we bring the best microgreens to your table.
Reference: Puccinelli M, Malorgio F and D’Imperio M (2024) Editorial: Micro-scale vegetable production: sprouts and microgreens as innovative functional foods. Front. Plant Sci. 15:1395888. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1395888