Oct 24, 2024
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Introduction
With the fast-paced lives that we live today, finding time to eat healthier or prepare nutritious meals from scratch every day can seem overwhelming. But what if you always had a go-to nutrient-dense magic ingredient right in your home that you could add to any dish to make it wholesome?
Microgreens are younglings of plants that are full of nutrients and are extremely flavorful. These young edible plants, also known as cotyledons, are grown from special microgreen seeds that neither require too much space nor other resources to thrive. If you're looking for concentrated sources of essential micro and macro-nutrients to incorporate into your diet, these nutrient-dense microgreens can become your best friends.
Benefits Of Growing Microgreens At Home
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They’re An Instant Superfood Source
Nutrient-dense microgreen seeds are a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. Apart from having an eccentric visual appeal, these little cotyledons are also known as superfoods, owing to their high nutrient content, especially when it comes to Vitamin E, C, and K, and high antioxidant content. These little vegetables are also free from pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, they can be eaten raw and are one of the purest forms of nutrients you can have. The fact that you can grow organic foods in your kitchen in less than a couple of weeks is just the cherry on top.
They Offer A Fast And Easy Output
On average, microgreens take anywhere between 10 to 14 days to become ready for harvesting and have over 40% more anti-inflammatory properties than mature plants. Growing microgreens in your kitchen garden is time-efficient and very easy. If you have a few ungerminated seeds, a few pots, and some soil and water, you can grow microgreens in your kitchen garden. This means that even if you don’t have an outdoor space to grow plants from scratch or aren’t someone with a green thumb, you can still get all of your nutritional needs met in an organic manner within your kitchen. This can be an integral step in becoming more self-sufficient and taking charge of your health.
They’re Rich In Antioxidants
It has always been the consensus that microgreens are excellent sources of nutrients as compared to their counterparts in the mature stage. However, new studies have found that these baby greens are also a powerhouse of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their radical protection properties, consequently protecting your body from cancer. There's also a notable connection between antioxidants, eyes, heart health, and skin health. The nutritious microgreens found in your kitchen garden can make it easy for you to amp up your antioxidants through healthy diets.
They’re Good For Managing Chronic Diseases
Owing to their high nutritional content, microgreens are regularly used to combat severe chronic diseases and even reduce the symptoms associated with them. The nutritious microgreens have been known for managing health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, early onset of Alzheimer's and other neurological ailments, and even chronic respiratory diseases. The microgreens support a healthy production of microbiomes, aka gut-friendly bacteria, in your body, helping your immune system grow stronger. As a result, regular consumption of leafy microgreens can help you get back faster if you fall sick.
5 Nutrient-Dense Microgreens You Can Grow At Home
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Cabbage Microgreens
Cabbage is a multi-purpose plant in all aspects. It can be used in summer to make coleslaw and serves as a healthy dietary option for winter soups. You can quickly grow cabbage microgreens in your home, especially when you don't have the space or time to grow full-grown cabbage in your garden. Cabbage microgreens, especially red cabbages, are full of ascorbic acids, Beta-carotene, and a higher ratio of nutrients like Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and several other nutrients.If you want to grow a cabbage microgreen in your kitchen garden, make sure to use a well-ventilated space with enough sunlight. To control the amount of heat and light that goes through to your little plants, you can also place a shade cloth over them.
Radish Microgreens
If you’re a beginner in the process of growing nutritious microgreen varieties from the comfort of your home, you absolutely can't miss out on these easy-to-grow radish microgreens. Radishes are known for their amazing flavor and vast utility in different types of dishes. But more than that, these microgreens are excellent sources of vitamins such as A, C, and K. It's one of the microgreens that's loved all over the world, making their appearance in Asian dishes all the time. Known as the powerhouse of protein, these nutritious microgreens can be harvested in as little as 4 days with enough heat! They also come in both green and red types, making them a versatile choice for salads. The best part about growing radish microgreens at home is that their seeds are light in color, making them easy to sow and allowing the process of germination to follow seamlessly, which means you can grow one right in your kitchen, even as a beginner.
Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens are another popular variety of microgreens that people opt for when looking to grow some flavorful and nutritious plants in a smaller dosage. Usually, pea microgreens can take anywhere between 10 to 14 days to harvest and require adequate external conditions for proper growth. The best time to harvest these greens is when they've grown 1 to 3 cm tall.Since they're a rich source of Protein, Vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory nutrients, they're most often a part of salads, stir-fried vegetables, and even in heavier meat-based dishes. These nutrient-dense microgreens are the best replacements for a fresh pea pod and can grow exceptionally well if pre-soaked for a day or two before being sown. They can be handled like any other microgreens and grow in normal room temperature environments.
Kale Microgreens
Growing microgreens at your home and not having kale in the mix is an opportunity missed! Since green leafy vegetables make up an integral part of our balanced diet, having kale microgreens in your kitchen can be your best bet to encourage your children to be healthy without having to eat the leafy vegetables. Kale microgreens contain about five times more potassium as compared to their mature counterparts. They also have a rich earthy taste, making them perfect for those smoothies and salad bowls that you enjoy so much. Since Kale is also an excellent source of fiber, iron, and protein, you can make it a staple in your diet, especially if you're aiming to lose weight. Kale microgreens usually take 8 to 10 days to harvest and can add more variety to your food plate.
Beet Microgreens
Beets come in quite a lot of colors and sizes, making them multi-purpose vegetables with lots of nutritious content. However, the most nutritious part of the beet is the top, which is why beet microgreens are so popular worldwide. Apart from being a delicious supplement to your soups, juices, vegetables, and stews, beet microgreens are excellent sources of beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin A. All of these are known for their cell-protection properties and can be consumed by children and elders alike. The best time to harvest beets is anywhere between 14 to 28 days after being sown. They can be grown in closed spaces like a kitchen as well as open spaces such as terraces.
It’s A Wrap
Eating healthier is a conscious choice that you have to make daily in order to stay fit. By growing and using flavorful and nutrient-dense microgreens in your food, you can make this process a little easier. Even more so, when you don’t have to go out to buy them every day, but can simply pick them from your kitchen garden. The process of growing most of the microgreens is pretty similar, and they’re easier to manage for people who aren’t precisely horticulturists. You can pick and choose which microgreens you want to grow in your home based on your personal preferences and even alternate between different options since they are easy to grow and harvest.
Remember to enjoy the process and make every effort count!
If you have questions about microgreens, let us know!