Microgreens are tiny, young plants harvested just after the first leaves have developed. These little greens are packed with nutrients, often more so than their mature counterparts, making them a great choice for people who need more minerals in their diets. They are popular for adding flavor and decoration to dishes. However, microgreens can also absorb harmful substances from the soil, like heavy metals and chemicals, which could pose health risks.
A recent study focused on three lesser-known plants: Nigella, Safflower, and Camelina. Researchers measured the levels of various heavy metals and chemicals in these microgreens at different growth stages. They found that the mineral content in microgreens largely depends on the plant type. But because microgreens are consumed when they are very young, they can sometimes contain higher levels of harmful substances.
The study also found that growing microgreens safely involves following strict guidelines to minimize the presence of these contaminants while maximizing their nutritional value. This is especially important as microgreens are often eaten raw.
In summary, while microgreens offer excellent nutritional benefits, it’s crucial to ensure they are grown in safe conditions to avoid potential health risks. It’s important to emphasize that the examined microgreens were rare oilseed plants. We have not and will not grow these plants at Dawn Farm. The article, however, reminds us to incorporate every safety measure possible to ensure our microgreen crops are the best they can be.
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:
Kapusta-Duch, J., Smoleń, S., Jędrszczyk, E., Leszczyńska, T., Borczak, B., Kusznierewicz, B. (2024). Evaluation of Selected Heavy Metal Contaminants as Well as Nitrates and Nitrites in the Microgreens of Nigella (Nigella sativa L.), Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), and Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) at Different Stages of Vegetation. Applied Sciences, 14(4298). https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104298