Have you ever heard of microgreens? These tiny plants are full of vitamins and nutrients that make them a super healthy choice. We started growing microgreens a few years ago. Absolutely fell in love. Now we rarely go a day without them. They’re so delicious and nutritious. Let’s dive in and learn more about these amazing little greens!
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young plants that are usually harvested when they are about 1 to 3 inches tall. They come from many types of vegetables and herbs like radishes, sunflowers, and even broccoli. You might have seen them adding a splash of color to salads or sandwiches. We put them in our daily smoothies for a burst of energy and nutrition.
Why Are Microgreens Good for You?
Microgreens are called superfoods because they are packed with nutrients. Here are some reasons they are so good for you:
- High in Nutrients: Microgreens are full of vitamins and minerals that help keep our bodies strong and healthy.
- Rich in Antioxidants: These nutrients help protect our cells from damage.
- Low in Calories: This makes them a great choice for snacks and meals if you want to stay healthy and fit.
How to Grow Microgreens
One of the best things about microgreens is that they are easy to grow indoors. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose Your Seeds: Pick seeds like radish, sunflower, or broccoli.
- Prepare Your Tray: Spread some soil in a shallow tray.
- Plant the Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with more soil.
- Water the Seeds: Keep the soil moist by watering it gently.
- Find a Sunny Spot: Place the tray in a sunny location. We put them by a window that’s facing east because morning sun is the best and add grow lights.
- Harvest Time: In about a week or two, your microgreens will be ready to harvest!
Ways to Eat Microgreens
There are many tasty ways to enjoy microgreens:
- In Salads: Add a handful of microgreens to your salad for extra crunch and flavor.
- On Sandwiches: Use them as a fresh and healthy topping.
- In Smoothies: Blend them into your favorite smoothie for a nutrient boost.
- As a Garnish: Sprinkle them on top of soups, pizzas, or scrambled eggs.
Why Are Microgreens Important?
Microgreens are not just good for you; they’re also good for the planet. They can be grown quickly and don’t need a lot of space, making them a great food source for the future. Plus, growing them indoors means they’re pesticide free and preservative free, which helps the environment.
Conclusion
Microgreens are tiny but mighty foods that can make a big difference in your diet. They are easy to grow, fun to eat, and very healthy. Next time you’re looking for a snack, why not try some microgreens? Your body will thank you!
Remember, eating a variety of healthy foods helps you stay strong and feel good every day. So, add some microgreens to your meals and enjoy their fresh, delicious taste!
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 are dedicated to growing microgreens indoors using sustainable agricultural practices. We work closely with the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) and their urban farming initiative to build a better vegetable production facility. 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.
This article was generated with the assistance of ChatGPT by OpenAI.
Citation: Ebert, A.W. Sprouts and Microgreens—Novel Food Sources for Healthy Diets. Plants 2022, 11, 571. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040571