Microgreens - What’s the Big Deal?
You may have noticed microgreens are having a “moment” right now. So, why the big fuss over something so micro? Is this just another food trend or is there something more to these tiny little superfoods? First of all, what is a “microgreen”?
A microgreen is simply a seedling from a vegetable or herb. Not to be confused with a sprout, which is a seed that has germinated, but does not yet have it’s leaves and is not grown in soil. Microgreens, on the other hand, are grown in a growing medium – usually potting soil or compost – and are allowed to reach a more advanced level of maturity.
Many microgreens are harvested at the cotyledon stage. The cotyledon are the first leaves that appear from a germinated seed and are present within the seed before germination even begins.They are the primary food source for the emerging new plant and are packed with nutrients. As they emerge they act as a “solar panel”, collecting the Sun’s energy to transform into food and create the next set of leaves called the “true leaves”.
True leaves are leaves that appear after germination and often more closely resemble the plant being grown. Some microgreens are harvested after the first, and sometimes even the second, set of true leaves appear.
Two of the main reasons for growing microgreens are that they pack a punch both nutritionally and culinarily. Because they are the first food source for a plant, they are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Their flavor is also often strongest in the earliest stages.
The best part is, microgreens are relatively easy to grow and can be harvested within 1-3 weeks!
How to Grow Mustard Wasabina Micros
Sow seeds densely onto your growing medium
Press seeds gently into soil using your hand
Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil, or a damp paper towel
Give them a nice misting of water
Cover with a plastic lid (using take out containers are great for this if you are growing at home!)
Make sure to give them at least 4 hrs of sunlight a day
Mist a few times throughout the day until they germinate, then remove cover and mist once or twice a day or bottom-water
Once they have reached “maturity”, harvest and enjoy!