Microgreens are seriously cool and taste ah-mazing. Professional chefs and home cooks use them for their concentrated flavours and beautiful appearance. People and garden enthusiasts love them because they are quick and easy to grow indoors, and health-conscious individuals can't get enough of them because they are a concentrated and delicious way to get vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have a much higher concentration of nutrients compared to fully mature plants. Who wouldn't want them, or better yet why aren't you growing yours yet!
You scream, I scream we all want Microgreens!
What are microgreens?
They’re basically seedlings, planted in soil or other mediums, and harvested earlier when their first true leaves appear. Growing microgreens in soil with sunlight, allowing them to reach the point where they are setting leaves, gives them nutritional value and flavour. Strong-flavoured greens and herbs including radish, basil, arugula, beets, and Asian greens make the best microgreens. However almost anything that sprouts or any greens you plant in the garden will make a delicious microgreens.
How to grow them?
Gardeners can easily grow microgreens right in their backyard or house, as long as there is a sunny window or lighting to growing plants. Microgreens don't take up much space, and there are a number of amazing products to help you grow with ease! Plant the microgreen seeds in small pots or growing medium, and place the seeds a little more densely than you would for full-growing plants. Mist the soil and microgreens regularly to keep both damp.
The little plants are ready to harvest as soon as they produce true (little) leaves, or about two to four weeks later. Pull the microgreens from the pot and rinse them off or cut the stems just above the soil.
Where to use them?
Microgreens can be used as a topping on salads they look good and taste delicious. They’re good on sandwiches and used like herbs in cooking.
Microgreens can be used a number of different ways depending on the meal you are cooking. Try ones that have the colours and flavours that fit your taste buds. For example:
Arugula microgreens have a sharp, pepper-like flavour.
Beet microgreens have a bitter flavour but add a lovely reddish colour to a dish.
Carrot microgreens are slightly sweet.
Chard is beautiful and has a milder flavour.
Add microgreens to a sandwich or wrap in place of regular lettuce. They can also be used in place of, or in addition to, some of your favourite herbs. Another option is to make a salad with microgreens, and use whatever ingredients you like!
The issue with microgreens?
There really isn't any however if you buy them from a local store they can be expensive especially if you like to consume them on weekly scale, and might not last as long. Save yourself the money and grow your own instead.
DIY at Home! Grow microgreens
If you want to grow your own at home here are some handy products to help you do that.
Quick, easy and cost effective! We love these!
For more products and handy tips go to www.urbangreenfarms.com.au
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