Uses of Microgreens
Culinary Uses of Microgreens
In the culinary world, microgreens are prized for their vivid colors, delicate textures, and intense flavors that range from peppery and spicy to sweet and tangy, depending on the variety.
How to add microgreens to our diet?
Here are some popular ways microgreens are used:
Garnishing: One of the most common uses of microgreens is as an elegant garnish. Their vivid colors and delicate leaves add a beautiful finishing touch to salads, soups, sandwiches, and main courses. Whether it’s a handful of peppery arugula microgreens atop a steak or a sprinkle of sweet pea shoots on roasted vegetables, they make dishes look appealing and fresh. Adding a burst of color and flavor to soups, salads, sandwiches, and main courses.
Salads: Microgreens themselves can make a delicious and nutrient-packed base or addition to salads. Mixing various microgreens like radish, beet, and sunflower adds complexity in flavor—from sweet and nutty to spicy and peppery—and vibrant colors that make salads visually stunning. Their tender texture makes them easy to eat raw and digest. Mixed microgreen salads can be a nutrient-dense meal or side dish.
Smoothies & Juices: For health enthusiasts, adding microgreens to smoothies or fresh juices is an excellent way to increase the nutrient content without significantly changing the flavor or texture. Varieties like kale, wheatgrass, and spinach microgreens are particularly popular for this use because of their potent vitamins and antioxidants. For an extra nutrient boost and fresh flavor.
Wraps & Tacos: Adding microgreens to sandwiches and wraps adds a fresh crunch and a burst of flavor that goes beyond what lettuce or spinach alone can provide. They elevate a simple sandwich to something gourmet, making each bite refreshing and nutritious. Enhance texture and nutrition.
Cocktails: Some bartenders use microgreens, especially herbs like basil and cilantro microgreens, as sophisticated garnishes for cocktails, mocktails, or infused waters. This not only enhances the presentation but infuses subtle flavors. Some bartenders use herbs like basil and cilantro microgreens as garnishes.
Omelets, scrambled eggs, and frittatas all improve with the addition of microgreens. Their fresh, spicy, or mild flavors complement eggs beautifully, while their delicate texture adds a pleasant contrast.
Microgreens can be sprinkled on top of hot soups right before serving, releasing a fresh aroma and mild flavor that compliments the warmth of the dish. Some sturdier varieties like pea shoots and kale microgreens can also be quickly wilted into stir-fries or lightly cooked dishes for added texture and nutrition.
Microgreens have become a popular term in kitchens, markets, and health discussions, but what exactly are they? Simply put, microgreens are young, edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs that are harvested shortly after germination, just as their first set of true leaves appear. They are tiny but pack impressive flavors, textures, and nutrients, making them appreciated both by chefs and health enthusiasts worldwide.
Nutritional Uses and Health Benefits
Beyond their culinary appeal, microgreens are a powerhouse of nutrition and can be used strategically to boost health.
- Nutrient Boost
Microgreens often contain several times the concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in mature leafy greens. Adding even a small serving to your daily diet can help increase intake of essential nutrients like vitamins C, E, K, beta-carotene, and folate. This supports everything from immune function to skin health and eyesight.
- Digestive Health
Many microgreens are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some microgreens such as broccoli and red cabbage are rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing oxidative stress in the body and lowering chronic disease risks.
- Weight Management
Low in calories but high in nutrients, microgreens allow you to add volume and nutrition to your meals without adding many calories, helping with weight control and satiety.
Growing Microgreens for Personal Use
Microgreens are easy to grow at home year-round, making them ideal for people who want fresh greens at their fingertips. A small tray on a windowsill or kitchen counter is all you need. Growing your own microgreens means you always have access to fresh, organic, pesticide-free greens that you can harvest in as little as 1-3 weeks.
Having your own microgreens also encourages healthier eating and reduces dependency on store-bought vegetables, which may have lost some nutritional value due to transport and storage time.
Commercial and Professional Uses
Microgreens have also found a niche in the restaurant and health food industries.
Restaurants and Catering: Chefs use microgreens to add color, texture, and intense flavors to gourmet dishes. Their versatility fits well with various cuisines.
Health Food Stores and Farmers Markets: Microgreens are increasingly sold fresh and packaged, often promoted for their health benefits.
Juice Bars and Wellness Centers: Microgreens are added to health drinks and smoothies to enhance nutritional value.
Why do we need to add microgreens to our diet?
The growing micronutrients deficiency and lack of a balanced diet impact our physical and mental health. The pandemic reality is another threat that humanity has to cope with. So, microgreens in a small amount can overcome the micronutrients deficiency and add life to our foods.
Tips for Using Microgreens
Always wash microgreens before use to remove any residual dirt or contaminants.
Store microgreens in a cool, moist place or refrigerator in a breathable container to maintain freshness.
Add microgreens at the end of cooking or use fresh to retain their nutritional benefits and crisp texture.
Experiment with different kinds of microgreens to discover which flavors best complement your favorite dishes.
How much quantity can be taken per day?
Just 50 grams of microgreens in an everyday diet is enough to improve immunity and lifestyle.
Storage
The best way to consume is within 3-4 hours of clipping. You can also wrap them in between damp paper towels and store it in the fridge for 10days. If you need any of our produces contact us.
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