Are Microgreens Just Baby Plants?

Microgreens are popping up on a lot of sandwiches and salads at Californian restaurants these days. You have also seen these tiny greens as garnishes on your meal or a salad dressing in risotto. One common question arises about these tiny greens in our minds, Are microgreens just baby plants?  

Despite their small size, they are nutritionally rich in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as lutein and beta-carotene, and often provide higher amounts of nutrients than matured greens. So undoubtedly, they’re a great addition to every diet.

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This article resolves all queries about the health and nutritional benefits of microgreens.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are baby plants harvested before they fully mature, typically within 14 days of germination. They have a delicious fragrance and a high nutritional value, and they are generally 1-3 inches long and available in a variety of shades.

These small versions contain several of the micronutrients found in the full-grown vegetable or herbs.

Only the stems and leaves of microgreens are deemed edible, similar to baby greens. These are, though, somewhat smaller than baby greens and therefore can be marketed before being harvested.

This ensures that the plants can be purchased whole and cut at home, allowing them to remain alive until eaten.

List of edible microgreens

Following are the most popular types of microgreens:

1. Alfalfa

Alfalfa microgreens have a light texture and a light crunch that complements almost every food. It comes with white stems and green leaves, having lots of micronutrients.

2. Amaranth

Amaranth is a sensitive microgreens that grows best in warmer temperatures with indirect light.  The delicate plants have a great aroma that is similar to mustard but less spicy. Its vibrant colours make it an excellent garnish or enhancement to every bowl.

3. Basil

Basil microgreens have white stems and green leaves. It has a gelatinous seed, which means that when soaked, it forms a gooey lining. Sweet Basil is a green-coloured microgreens that can be used when mature basil is desired.

It grows best hydroponically and prefers bright light, but it is a slow grower.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli microgreens have a sturdy and compact microgreens with a light, fresh cabbage taste. It has light pink or white stems and dark-green leaves. They’re also famous for potential nutritional benefits, as they’re high in sulforaphane.

5. Cilantro

Cilantro microgreens come with light-green stems and green leaves. These are lovely microgreens that have unique tastes and great looks.

Nutritional facts and health benefits of microgreens

Microgreens have incredible nutritional and health benefits, including but not limited to the following:

1. High in nutrition

Microgreens are nutrient-dense food. Although the nutritional content of each variety varies slightly, most are high in potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. Furthermore, since their nutritional value is balanced, they also contain higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than the same amount of adult greens.

They cram most of the vitamins and nutrients contained in a whole cabbage or lettuce into a smaller container. They provide the same nutrients in their microgreens forms.

2. Lowers the risk of heart disease

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about one out of every six deaths.

High cholesterol is one of the significant causes of heart disease, but the great news is that plant-based foods such as microgreens can help to reduce blood pressure. Thus lowers the risk of a heart attack.

3. Strengthen immune system

Vegetables are anti-inflammatory and have a positive impact on the immune system. Microgreens contain many of these nutrients in a small pack which help to boost and strengthen your immune system.

4. High in polyphenols

Polyphenols are natural chemicals that can be found in a variety of foods and have potent antioxidants. Antioxidant properties aid in the prevention of harmful free radicals, which are highly reactive compounds that develop in the body and can kill cells and cause chronic disease.

5. Improve your eyesight

Increasing the use of leafy greens helps to improve eyesight, as they are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and other nutrients. All such nutrients are incredibly beneficial for the skin and eyes.

6. Help to prevent chronic diseases.

Inflammation is the main reason for diseases in the human body. The use of microgreens and vegetables lowers the inflammation process and also the risk of various cancers.

They also help to reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

7. Reduce constipation

Apart from all other nutrients benefits, green leafy vegetables are rich in fibre, and that will help to reduce constipation.

8. Helps in weight loss

These days everyone is worried about losing weight or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Studies found that consuming microgreens lowers cholesterol level and helps in weight loss. That’s why leafy greens are an essential part of keto and other diet plans.

9. Protect from stomach issues

Microgreens such as broccoli, spinach, and cabbage contain much prebiotic fibre, which can help feed your gut’s friendly probiotic bacteria. 

Are microgreens easy to grow?

Microgreens are the most productive and popular crop for small producers and professionals because they earn a high value and require minimal setup. Because they can be quickly processed, are inexpensive, and could be easily cultivated year around.

They’re ideal for all those who live in apartments or have small spare capacity, as they’re being grown on just about any flanked by the ceiling.

These little greens can come to almost every herb or plant, making them a very versatile plant.

Is it safe to eat microgreens?

Microgreens are usually considered healthy to consume. Yet, the possibility of food poisoning is a problem. Microgreens, on the other hand, have a much lower capacity for bacterial contamination, unlike sprouts.

If you have an allergy to a particular vegetable or herb or experience an allergic response after eating it, stop using it right away and consult your doctor.

Where to buy Microgreens?

Do you want to turn your eating habits into a healthy eating lifestyle and enjoy all the nutrients of microgreens, don’t waste your time. Start consuming these tiny miracle plants now.

If you are interested in buying microgreens or you are looking for a sale of microgreens near you. You can visit texasmicrogreens.net. Here you will surely get all types of microgreens that you want to buy.

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Last update on 2023-08-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API