Frequently Asked Questions
Despite their small stature, microgreens actually boast a more intense flavor than larger vegetables and herbs. They have more health benefits than their mature counterparts, some greens are up to 40 times more potent in phytochemicals.
Microgreens contain more significant amounts of nutrients and health-promoting micronutrients than their mature counterparts. Because they are rich in nutrients, smaller amounts may provide similar nutritional effects than larger quantities of mature vegetables.
They all contain high amounts of nutrients and antioxidants. Radish microgreens can be considered the most nutritious, as they are the most nutrient-packed microgreens. Radish microgreens’ nutrition facts include vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. They also deliver calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc to the human body.
Yes you can, however you might want to consider the following. They require efficient light ( a minimum of 3000 lumens ), proper constant air flow to avoid mold build up, the right temperature, humidity levels need to be controlled and they require regular watering. You over water them and it can cause mold, you under water them and they can quickly die. You have to also make sure your medium isn’t over-rich in nutrients, as this will burn the young plants. Some microgreens take up to 10 days, some even longer to reach peak harvest length. During that time you need to be there for them.
In our experience and based on the latest research from American institutes, both is fine as long as you consider the following.
Harvested microgreens are cheaper if you base it on the actual net plant weight. Farmers that harvest, control the growth and health of each plant until harvest so you get the freshest produce every time. Once harvested, microgreens are placed in secure, compostable packaging, keeping them away from outside pathogens and flies. Harvested microgreens, kept in the right packaging and properly refrigerated, can stay fresh up to 14 days. Just like live growing trays, harvested microgreens retain the same nutrient contents.
Microgreens in grow trays can be a lot more expensive if you consider the actual net plant weight. Ofcourse it is fun to harvest them yourself when you need them for your meals. However consider that, once you purchase a tray you will have to time your harvest. If you wait just a little too long, the grow mat used as the medium can become moldy and attract flies. Once mold gets hold of the micros, they die very quickly. Microgreens are generally only to be harvested once, they only grow back to a limited extent and lose considerably in taste, consistency and nutrients. This also applies to greens that are harvested too late. We recommend harvesting within 5 days after purchase.
So, you should be aware that some vitamins and minerals have a maximum daily dose to prevent bad effects like nausea and diarrhea. However, you would have to eat 20-plus pounds of microgreens a day for a week to reach levels that could cause you any potential life-threatening harm.
Several websites that focus on calculating how much food one should eat suggest a serving size of microgreens is around 25-grams. This is a little more than 3/4 of an ounce.
Microgreens have intense flavors and are considered as a delicious option for a variety of meals, sandwiches, salads and smoothies.
Some of the most popular ways to use microgreens are mixing them into salads, layering them in sandwiches, using them as a garnish for drinks. You can season soups, you can juice them and create delicious and nutritious smoothies. Or add them to stir fry’s.
Unfortunately, no, most microgreens won’t grow back after cutting. The vast majority of plants won’t grow back at all. A plant’s seed usually only contains enough energy to get the first set of leaves up.
They will die because either they don’t have enough nutrients from the soil to maintain their growth or they become so stressed they are unable to fight off disease or mold or fungus, or both. Either way, microgreens will not successfully grow to maturity in their trays.
The same thing will happen even if you don’t harvest the microgreens as they are already too stressed to be able to continue growing and living and will eventually die out. So, in that sense, even if you don’t harvest the microgreens, they will stop growing and eventually die.