The Benefits of growing your own Microgreens
Matt Owens.
The Benefits of Growing Your Own Microgreens
One of the quickest food crops that we can grow, microgreens are tiny edible greens grown from the seeds of herbs and vegetables that are harvested before they can mature. Unlike sprouts which you would harvest and consume once germination, these seeds burst open with the first root /shoot. Microgreens are grown in soil and require sunlight, they can be harvested when they're a few days to a week old.
Compared to their fully matured versions, they have a much higher concentration of nutrients despite been smaller. A few studies have been done comparing microgreens to their fully matured versions and they have managed to outperform their counterpart in vitamins and minerals.
What are the Benefits of Microgreens?
Our Nutritional Insights:
Basil microgreens are a good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin and Niacin, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.
Wheatgrass is a herb known for its various health benefits, which only came to light when people first began consuming it in the 1930’s. Usually, the plant is harvested before it grows and turns brown, and only two ounces of this herb liquefied amounts to an equivalent 4 pounds of organic vegetables. The health benefits of wheatgrass are not limited to assisting in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the symptoms from chemotherapy, and regulating blood pressure by increasing red blood cell count
Microgreen cress is characterised by peppery, aromatic and tangy flavour. It can be eaten raw in salads and sandwiches or used as herbs for food seasoning. The seeds can also be roasted with salt before eating. Cress seeds are used for treating patients suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Consumption of these seeds helps to boost the hemoglobin level over time. When grown, cress is an excellent source of protein and iron thus, it can be used for treating people suffering from hair loss. Consumption of both garden cress stems, leaves and seeds help to boost the immune system. Both the leaves, stems and seeds of cress are used in preparing traditional medicine, for example, the seeds are used as a remedy for minimizing asthma symptoms as well as improves lung function for those suffering with it.
Coriander (Cilantro) leaves can be cut at any time during their growth period but waiting until the plant is about 6 inches tall will give you optimum leaves. Coriander is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E, and K. It is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Coriander helps build strong bones, is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and helps reduce and helps reduce levels of LDL, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. Cilantro (herb) and coriander (seed) are quite different in flavor and cannot be used as substitutes for one another. Fresh coriander has a pungent odor--it's one of those herbs that people either love or intensely dislike. Cilantro was one of the first herbs (along with dandelions) to be brought to the Americas from Europe, and today is a complementary garnish on foods from Mexico City to Bombay.
Microgreen Parsley is favoured for its bright flavour and is commonly used as a garnish in a whole host of dishes. Microgreen parsley is loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Fiber, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.
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