After harvesting microgreens, there are several options for further use. They can be consumed immediately as fresh ingredients in salads, sandwiches, or other culinary applications. Alternatively, if you have a large quantity, you can store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness for an extended period. Additionally, microgreens can be dried and crushed into a flavorful powder, perfect for sprinkling on dishes or using as a seasoning.
What You'll Learn
Benefits of Eating Microgreens
Enjoying the fresh, flavorful taste of microgreens can bring immense health benefits! From smoothies to salads and sandwiches, incorporating microgreens into your diet is an easy way to get more nutrients.
Microgreens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, K, iron and zinc. In fact, some studies have found that they contain up to forty times more vital nutrients than their mature counterparts. Adding a handful of microgreens to your morning smoothie is a great way to start off the day with a nutrient-packed burst of flavor.
Not only are microgreens rich in nutrition but they’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking. You can sauté them for stir fry or add them raw into salads for added crunch and texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using microgreens in your meals!
Not only will you be getting an array of vital vitamins and minerals, but you’ll also be able to enjoy their unique flavor profiles which range from earthy flavors such as radish greens or spicy notes like arugula.
Microgreens are also incredibly low in calories yet high in fiber, making them an excellent dietary choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while still receiving all the necessary nutrition needed for optimal health. Eating a variety of different types of greens on a daily basis will ensure that you’re receiving all the essential vitamins and minerals needed by your body while still keeping within calorie requirements.
In addition to their nutritional value, microgreens have been said by many people who supplement their diets with these tiny greens as being helpful in combating fatigue due to enhanced energy levels from improved digestion and absorption of nutrients from better quality food sources than other non-nutritional alternatives such as processed foods or sugary snacks. So why not give microgreens a try? With their delicious flavors and immense health benefits, now’s the perfect time to incorporate these superfoods into your daily diet!
How to Harvest Microgreens
Harvesting microgreens is a simple, yet rewarding task that can give your meals an extra nutritional punch. To get the most out of your microgreen harvest, it’s important to select the right soil for planting and to use the proper harvesting methods.
When selecting soil, look for one that drains well but also contains enough moisture to keep your microgreens hydrated during their growth period. For best results, use a light potting mix or even composted manure. Whichever type of soil you choose, make sure it’s free from contaminants like weeds and insects.
Once you’ve selected the correct soil, it’s time to start harvesting your microgreens. The best way to do this is by snipping them at their base with scissors or herb shears before they reach full maturity. When cutting them off at ground level, be careful not to damage any remaining roots as this could hinder future growths of your plants.
It’s also important to harvest only what you need when picking microgreens so that you don’t over-harvest and deplete all of the nutrients in the soil. This will ensure that you’re able to enjoy freshly harvested greens for longer periods of time!
With proper care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious healthy meals with added nutrition from your own home-grown microgreens!
How to Consume Microgreens
Once you’ve harvested your microgreens, it’s time to enjoy their unique flavor and nutrition benefits in a variety of dishes!
Microgreens can be consumed fresh, stored refrigerated, or dried and powdered.
Here are three ways to incorporate these flavorful greens into your meals:
- Add them as toppings on salads, sandwiches, soups and more – for an extra crunchy texture and vibrant pop of color.
- Grill the microgreens with a bit of olive oil and seasonings for a delicious side dish that pairs well with fish or chicken.
- Blend the microgreens into smoothies or make them into pesto for an unexpected twist on popular recipes!
No matter how you choose to consume your microgreens, you’ll be sure to benefit from their high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients compared to mature plants!
Not only do they taste great but they provide essential nutrients necessary for good health. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen with your freshly-harvested microgreens!
Tips for Preparing Microgreens
Preparing microgreens for meals is easy – just slice, dice, or blend, and you’re ready to go! Whether you’re adding them as a garnish, a crunchy topping, or mixing them into recipes, there are countless ways to incorporate these nutrient-packed greens.
Before cooking with microgreens, though, it’s important to understand the various cooking techniques available and the health benefits of each.
First off, sautéing is one of the most popular ways to cook with microgreens. Not only does it bring out their best flavors, but it also helps retain much of their nutritional content. When sautéing microgreens in oil or butter over medium heat for two minutes or less, they’ll retain more nutrients than if boiled for an extended period of time. Additionally, when paired with other vegetables like onions and garlic, they create an incredibly flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.
Another great way to prepare microgreens is by steaming them lightly for about two minutes. This method helps keep all of their vitamins and minerals intact while still allowing them to be soft enough for salads or sandwiches. You can also add some herbs and spices such as cumin or chili powder while steaming the greens, which can enhance the flavor without losing any of their nutritional value.
Finally, blending microgreens into smoothies provides a quick and easy way to get a nutrient-packed meal on the table in no time at all! All you need is your favorite frozen fruit (or fresh) along with some liquid like milk or juice plus your favorite type of green leafy vegetable – spinach and kale work great too! Blend everything together until smooth, then pour into glasses and enjoy your delicious, nutritious creation!
Recipes Using Microgreens
Sautéing, steaming, and blending are just some of the delicious ways to incorporate nutrient-packed microgreens into your meals! And with so many varieties available, you can really spice up your cooking!
For starters, try a stir fry recipe with a mix of microgreens as the main ingredient. Simply sauté garlic and onions in a bit of oil until translucent and then add the microgreens. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. Once everything is cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste.
For an easy side dish or light lunch, try steaming a variety of microgreens along with carrots or potatoes for added color and flavor. Finish it off with some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for something more creative, blend together your favorite combination of microgreens into a smoothie recipe that will leave you feeling energized all day long. Add frozen fruit and yogurt for sweetness and texture – this is sure to become one of your go-to snacks!
With these ideas in mind, it’s easy to see how versatile microgreens can be when used in recipes. From stir fry dishes to smoothies – there’s no limit on how you can use them! So don’t hesitate to experiment – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the results!
