Guide to Microgreens

Microgreens are becoming very popular now. While there is a debate over how much better the nutritional value of a microgreen is compared to the nutritional value of a full grown plant microgreens are still highly prized for their unique taste. Many fancy restaurants use microgreens in their foods to enhance flavor. While microgreens may not be more nutritious as their full grown counter parts they certainly are often very nutritious and they also are often more flavorful then full grown plants. For those that wish to grow their own microgreens to spice up the flavor and possibly health of their diet here is a list of some of the more popular microgreens along with possible health benefits, how to grow them, and how they taste.

Amaranth

Amaranth on its own has started to become a very popular superfood so you can imagine that it is becoming very popular as a microgreen. It is best to grow it during warmer weather. Amaranth looks great while you are growing it with a great purple flavor. Amaranth is very light so will not add much weight to a salad but it will add plenty of taste and color. Amaranth has a tangy sweet flavor.

Arugula

Aruglua has a sharp flavor. Arugula should not be over watered. Arugula is often called rocket and it grows quickly at rocket speeds.

Basil

Basil has always been a popular herb but now it is becoming even more popular as a microgreen. Basil of all kinds offers many healthy benefits. The oil in Basil is said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties so you have an all in one plant.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the easiest to grow plants as a microgreen. Broccoli can be grown very close together as a microgreen and will give you very high yields this way. Broccoli is one microgreen that is considered to be as nutritious as a microgreen as it is as a sprout. Since many studies have shown brassicas and Broccoli in general to be very good for you particularly as an anti-cancer thanks to high levels of sulphoraphane.

Cabbage

Cabbage are great for hormonal imbalance and in preventing cardiovascular diseas.

Chives

Chives are slower to grow then other microgreens but they are worth the wait. Microgreen Chives are similar in taste to full grown chives. Chives offer many vitamins such as calcium, Iron, and Vitamin A and C at high levels. Chives are also good at reducing cholesterol and help the immune system.

Clover

Clover is another powerhouse of health. Clover also can be grown close together for high yields. One thing you should watch out for with Clover is over watering can be a problem. Clover has a mild flavor.

Corn

Popcorn style Corn is the most commonly grown microgreen Corn. The taste is unique as iti is sweet at first but has a sour aftertaste. Corn needs to be eaten young or it gets fibrous.

Cress

Cress was one the earliest microgreens. Cress is great ins salads or sandwiches.

Fennel

Fennel has a great smell and sweet taste.

Flax

Flax has oils that are very healthy for you. Flax has a slightly spicy flavor great for those that want a little spicy but not to much. Flax is good for people with diabetes as it helps regulate blood sugar.

Mustard

Mustard is a great flavoring being very hot and spicy. Mustard is a very easy microgreen to grow.

Parsley

Parsley is a slow growing microgreen and should be soaked 24 hours before starting. Parsley has a sweet and spicy flavor.

Peas

Peas are a sweet microgreen. Many microgreens have a sweet and spicy taste but peas are just plain sweet. Peas are a cool weather crop and a fast growing one. Peas are one of the easiest microgreens to grow.

Radish

Radish are one of my favorite microgreens. They have a great spicy flavor often more spicy then full grown plants. The Radish is one of the fastest and easiest to grow crop of all. You can get a Radish ready to eat in as little as a week.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is one of the more well known microgreen specific foods. Wheatgrass is always eaten as a juice not plain. Wheatgrass requires a bit more work to grow and even more to process then other microgreens.

As you can see from this list there are plenty of microgreen options. This list is not a complete list but will give you a good idea of your microgreen options. You also probably have seen from this list that microgreens offer many healthy benefits. Microgreens also can be found with many different tastes. Regardless of your taste preference there is sure to be a microgreen for you.