Microgreens are a category of vegetable harvested as tender immature greens. Bigger than a sprout and smaller than a baby veggie, microgreens come in a variety of colors and shapes. And they may also have very different and intense flavors. There are around 60 different varieties of microgreens, including pea, sunflower, broccoli, romaine, Swiss chard, mustards, arugula, and more.
And here are some of the unique benefits of microgreens.
Flavor
Microgreens can contribute a surprising amount of taste and texture to a dish. Add a handful of microgreens to enrich very simple dishes, and you will enjoy more color, volume, and flavor at the same time. Microgreens can be mild, sweet, bitter, sour, or spicy, and can even taste peppery or like licorice.
Quick Harvesting
Microgreens can be harvested at a much earlier stage of growth, often in just three to four weeks! Grow them outside and you will enjoy them continuously through spring, early summer and fall.
Versatility
Chefs have been using microgreens for years as garnish or a unique way to add accents to a dish. You can easily add these small veggies to a smoothie, or fold into baked goods or oatmeal.
Nutrition
Microgreens can be considered a ‘superfood’. They are very nutrient-dense and have concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Compared to their adult counterparts, they contain up to 40x the vitamins (Source) and a broader spectrum of antioxidants (Source). As a result, they are great to eat raw, as they will retain their nutrients. If you cook them with high heat, it can destroy enzymes, vitamins, and phytonutrients (source).
Easy to Grow
Microgreens require very little upkeep. They are low-maintenance and easy to grow. And they don’t need much space! This offers the possibility to produce fresh greens even in an apartment or the basement of a small house.
And we have exciting news at Yard2Kitchen Organic Gardens. We are adding Microgreen mixes to our offering. The mixtures are all balanced for flavor, color and texture. Our three offerings are:
- Allstar Gourmet Lettuce Mix- (baby oakleaf, baby red/green romaines, baby red leaf mix)
- Ovation Greens Mix – baby (red mustard, mizuna, tatsoi, kale, arugula)
- Spicy Microgreen Mix (red & green baby mustards)
Would you like to learn more? As always, please Contact Us if with questions about our backyard organic vegetable gardens or our line of Microgreen mixes.