Microgreens can be grown on a variety of surfaces, including soil, coco coir, vermiculite, or growing mats. The choice of surface depends on personal preference, availability, and growing conditions. Soil is a traditional medium and provides good structure for the roots, but coco coir and vermiculite are becoming popular because they are lightweight and easy to handle. Growing mats are another option, and they can be used in conjunction with other growing mediums.
Do you want to take your meals to the next level? If so, incorporating microgreens into your dishes could be just what you need! Microgreens are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add a pop of flavor and color to any dish. But what should you put them on? In this article, I’m going to explore all the delicious possibilities for adding microgreens to your meals. So if you’re looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, keep reading!
Microgreens have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique flavors and nutritional benefits. Not only do they look beautiful when served as garnishes or decorations, but they also offer many vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Plus, since these greens come in such a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, there’s something for everyone no matter how adventurous (or not) your palate may be.
So without further ado – let’s dive into some creative ways to use microgreens in your cooking! From salads and sandwiches to soups and smoothies – there really is no limit when it comes to using these tiny powerhouses in mealtime creations. With my tips and tricks, you’ll soon find yourself concocting amazing recipes that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. Ready? Let’s get started!
What You'll Learn
Types Of Microgreens
Now that we have explored the benefits of eating microgreens, let’s take a look at what types of these nutrient-dense greens you can enjoy. Microgreens come in many different varieties and include sprouts, edible flowers, baby greens, salad greens and herbs such as cilantro, dill and basil.
Sprouts are one of the most popular forms of microgreens; they are typically grown from legumes or grains like lentils, quinoa or buckwheat. Sprouting is an easy way to get your daily dose of nutrients quickly! They can be eaten raw or cooked into dishes for added flavor.
Baby greens are those harvested 2-3 weeks after germination when the plants still have their small leaves attached. Baby lettuces and arugula are great examples of baby greens that add texture and color to salads or sandwiches. You can also find baby kale, mustard green and radish among other varieties.
Finally, edible flowers make a beautiful addition to any dish! Edible flowers offer unique flavors like peppermint, clove or rose depending on the type – think pansies, nasturtiums or borage blossoms. These colorful petals burst with flavor making them perfect for adding vibrant colors to salads and soups alike! With all these options available it won’t be hard to get creative with your meals while enjoying microgreens!
Now that we’ve gone over the various types of microgreens available, let’s move onto learning how to grow our own nutritious leafy greens at home.
How To Grow Microgreens
Growing microgreens is a fun, easy way to add nutrient-dense greens to your diet. To get started, you’ll need some microgreen seeds, soil and trays or a kit that contains all three items.
When selecting the type of seed for your microgreens, it’s important to consider both flavor and nutrition value. Some popular options are kale, arugula, broccoli and sunflower. Once you have chosen the right variety of seed for you, it’s time to prepare your growing environment.
If you don’t already have one, pick up a shallow tray made specifically for growing microgreens. Fill this container with an organic potting soil mix that drains well and doesn’t contain any added fertilizers. If using pre-packaged containers like grow bags or mats filled with coconut coir or hemp fibers, simply moisten the material before adding seeds so they will germinate properly. Spread a thin layer of seed over the surface evenly using either your hands or a kitchen spoon. Lightly cover them with more potting mix and mist lightly with water until damp but not too wet – about every two days should be enough during germination period (4–7 days).
Once the first set of leaves appear above the soil line, move your trays in indirect sunlight near a window or use plant grow lights if necessary. Keep checking daily for growth progress and ensure the soil remains slightly moist throughout development process for best results!
Recipes Incorporating Microgreens
Did you know that microgreens are actually more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts? This makes them a great addition to any meal! There are many delicious recipes incorporating microgreens, from salads and sandwiches to wraps and tacos.
For example, for a simple yet flavorful salad, mix together some baby spinach leaves with cherry tomatoes and your favorite type of microgreen. Top it off with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. You can also add croutons or other crunchy toppings if desired.
For an easy but tasty sandwich option, try adding slices of tomato and avocado along with your choice of cheese on top of two pieces of whole wheat bread. Add some fresh basil and microgreens between the layers before grilling in butter until golden brown. Or why not use up leftovers by making warm veggie wraps filled with cooked vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms and onions plus some shredded cheese? Throw in some flavorful herbs like cilantro or parsley along with a handful of spicy microgreens for extra flavor. Finally, top off grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw and diced bell peppers mixed together with sunflower shoots for added crunchiness.
These are just a few ideas for how to incorporate microgreens into your meals – there’s no limit to what you can create when using these nutritious greens! With so many possibilities available, transitioning into the next section about tips for serving and eating is sure to be an exciting journey!
Tips For Serving And Eating
Serving and eating microgreens is a great way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your meals. There are many different ways you can use them as toppings or garnishes for dishes. Here are some tips on how to best enjoy the flavors of these tiny greens:
| Ideas | Uses | Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Salads | Top salads with radish or sunflower microgreens for added crunch and taste. | Microgreens contain high levels of vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, magnesium and other minerals. |
| Sandwiches & Wraps | Sprinkle pea shoots over sandwiches or wraps for an extra punch of freshness. | They also provide more antioxidants than mature plants due to their higher concentrations of enzymes. |
| Soups/Stews/Chilis | Add broccoli or arugula microgreens into soups/stews/chili for additional flavor and color. | Eating microgreens regularly may help reduce inflammation in the body while providing essential nutrients. |
From adding brightness to salads to spicing up burgers and tacos, using microgreens is a delicious way to boost nutrition in any dish! Not only do they have unique flavors that will elevate the overall taste of your meal but they also offer plenty of health benefits too – so start experimenting today!
Conclusion
In conclusion, microgreens are incredibly versatile and delicious. Not only do they offer a multitude of health benefits, but there are numerous ways to incorporate them into meals. From salads to stir-fries and even smoothies, you can use these ‘superfoods’ in any number of dishes that will bring an extra burst of flavor, color, and nutrition.
No matter how you choose to consume your microgreens, it’s important to remember the saying “less is more”. The delicate leaves pack quite a punch when it comes to flavor so be sure not to overwhelm your dish with too much greens. Think of adding microgreens as sprinkling confetti on top; just enough for a festive touch!
Microgreens truly provide something special that elevates ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. A pinch here or a sprinkle there can make all the difference – like a cherry on top – providing both visual appeal and nutritional value. So don’t hesitate to give this powerhouse ingredient a try today!
