Seeing a seedling sprout from a seed is magical, and eating it as soon as it sprouts its first leaves is an elixir of long life!
They're called microgreens and they're the latest healthy food trend. No more buds and not yet leaves, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, up to 40 times those found in mature plants. Lovely to look at, delicious to eat, easy to grow at home 12 months a year. In short, a small flavor revolution that has already attracted the attention of the world's most important chefs, attentive to superfood.
Microgreens can be purchased at organic grocery stores, but we prefer to grow them at home. Here's how to do it in just a few steps.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are the newly sprouted seedlings of numerous species of vegetables, herbs, and wild plants. They are grown simply and economically, without pesticides, and are harvested just 7 to 20 days after sowing, as soon as they have developed their two cotyledonary leaves, the first true leaves. They are eaten raw and used to flavor and garnish gourmet salads and soups, enriching dishes with powerful bioactive substances and unique flavors.
Broccoli, radishes, wheat, coriander, watercress, carrots: there are many seeds suitable for growing in this way. Microgreens have a thousand beneficial properties.Regular consumption of microgreens strengthens the immune system, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, is anti-cancer, supports the intestinal microbiome, and provides valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Many benefits for health, cooking and for the presentation of dishes, but not only. Microgreens are also a new way of eat with love. Growing microgreens puts you in a good mood. Seeing the roots extending in the water and the tiny leaves seeking the sun is a panacea not only for the body, but also for the spirit, a way to stay in touch with nature and never forget the wonder contained in every seed.
How to grow microgreens at home
To grow microgreens, you'll need a window, a container no taller than 5 cm (choose a transparent one if you want to see the roots of the seeds sinking into the substrate), a substrate (hemp, coconut, jute, or natural fiber) or a mesh net to keep the seeds from sinking, a vaporizer, and seeds. These are just a few essentials to create a wonderful miniature garden.
- Place the net or wet growth substrate in the container
- Wet the seeds and spread them in the container
- Place everything in the dark for 48 hours to stimulate germination and spray twice a day to ensure humidity.
- After two days, place the seeds near a window (many recommend LED lamps, but we prefer natural sunlight!)
- Water your crop daily
- Cut as soon as the first leaves appear (about 8 days after exposure to light)
Microgreens can be eaten freshly cut or stored in the refrigerator.
