Microgreens FAQs: What They Are, Health Benefits, and How to Use Them
At On the Edge Enterprises, we often get questions about our microgreens, from what they are to how to use them in daily meals. To help you learn more, we’ve put together this quick guide answering some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you’re curious about the health benefits, storage tips, or how microgreens differ from sprouts, we’re happy to answer your questions!
What are microgreens?
We like to call them miniature versions of the vegetables you need more of in your diet, and that pretty much sums it up. Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetables like broccoli, kale, radish, and many more. They are grown in a controlled environment from seed to seedling over a period of 8-14 days, depending on the variety. They are harvested at the peak of their nutritional value and can contain between 10-50% more nutrients than their fully grown counterparts.
How do microgreens differ from sprouts?
There are two primary differences between microgreens and sprouts. The first is how they are grown. Sprouts are grown hydroponically—often in jars—by submerging the seeds in water and spend most of their growing cycle in the dark. Microgreens, on the other hand, can be grown either hydroponically or in soil, and they require light throughout the growing process.
The second difference is in how they are harvested. Sprouts are consumed whole, root and all, after a final rinse. Microgreens are cut above the soil line, leaving the roots behind.
Nutritionally, both are incredibly beneficial, though the exact nutrient content varies slightly between the two.
What are the health benefits of consuming microgreens?
Think of the health benefits of any vegetable, then multiply that by 10-50%, each microgreen seedling has the potential to grow into a mature plant, so its nutrients are densely packed into each of these tiny greens. Studies show that phytonutrients like sulforaphane are more concentrated when these plants are harvested young. Microgreens are rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative stress. They also contain L-ascorbic acid, believed to have anti-aging effects, improving skin firmness and repair.
Microgreens are a powerhouse of amino acids (for energy, muscle building, and immune support), pectins (for digestive health), and chlorophyll (which aids in detoxification). They’re also high in vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, and depending on the variety, may be packed with sulforaphane, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
How should I store microgreens to keep them fresh?
Once microgreens are harvested, air and moisture are their enemies. Store them in an airtight container with something to absorb moisture. Most pre-packaged microgreens come with a moisture-absorbing pad, but you can extend their shelf life by adding a dry paper towel on top after opening.
Can I grow microgreens at home, and if so, how?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to try. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube—two of our favorite channels are On the Grow and Princeton Microgreens.
If you’re just starting, consider sprouting first. The initial cost is lower, and it takes up less space. Plus, sprouting gives you insight into what’s involved with growing microgreens. You might even decide to stick with sprouting!
If you’d like to give sprouting a try, click here to download our grow guide – Sprouting 101
What types of microgreens do you offer, and how do they taste?
We offer a wide selection of microgreens. Our most popular varieties are cruciferous ones, like broccoli, red cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, known for their high sulforaphane content. We also grow less common varieties like sunflower, radish, pea, and cilantro.
If you’re looking for something unique, we’re happy to experiment with any variety you request. In fact, we specialize in custom blends tailored to your specific health goals!
Flavor varies depending on the variety, but microgreens tend to be milder than their mature counterparts.
Are microgreens safe to eat raw?
Yes, and they’re best consumed raw for optimal flavor and nutritional content. Heating microgreens beyond a gentle steaming can reduce their nutritional value.
How can I incorporate microgreens into my meals?
Microgreens don’t require recipes—just a little creativity! Use them as you would any raw vegetable. Add them on top of soups, stews, or salads, blend them into tuna salad, or use them as a crunchy lettuce substitute in sandwiches.They’re also great in smoothies!
For more ideas, check out our blog 7 Days of MicroMeals (coming soon.) And don’t forget our microsnacks and micropowders for days when you’re short on time but still want to get your greens.
What makes your microgreens different from those available at the grocery store?
The first difference is love! We take great pride in the care and attention we give to our microgreens.
On a more technical note, commercially produced microgreens are often grown hydroponically in low-stress environments. While we maintain a stress-free environment, we intentionally stress the plants during growth to create heartier, more nutrient-dense microgreens.
Unlike store-bought varieties, our microgreens are local, grown organically, and not washed in chlorine solutions. They are packaged and delivered fresh, typically on the same day, with a shelf life of 14 days or more. Supporting local growers like us also helps boost your local economy.
If you’re curious about the difference between “certified organic” and “organically grown,” check out this article here.
How do you ensure the quality and safety of your microgreens?
We grow our microgreens in a dedicated, sanitary space at home, where we closely monitor the growing conditions. We follow strict guidelines on cleanliness and perform self-audits using the Texas Department of State Health Services form EH-06. Once started, the seedlings stay in this space until they’re packaged.
We also maintain up-to-date certifications in food handling and safety, and we keep an eye on the latest trends for quality assurance. If you’re ever dissatisfied with the quality of our greens, we’ll either refund your purchase or grow a new batch for you.
We hope this FAQ helps you better understand microgreens and their amazing health benefits. If you’re ready to add them to your diet, check out our current offerings or visit us at the local co-op. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to answer!