Microgreens ... A microcosm of taste and aromas

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are young seedlings produced from seeds of various plants such as aromatic herbs, vegetables, wild edible plants, and depending on their species the tender edible parts of the plant can be harvested between 7–21 days after germination. The part of the plant that is considered edible is the tender shoot, i.e. the stem of the plant, the cotyledon leaves which are the first sexes to develop after the seed has germinated and sometimes the first true leaves that will develop immediately after the cotyledon leaves , but also in specific cases when some tender parts of the seeds remain attached to the cotyledons are also considered edible.

Nutritional value

Microgreens are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamin C, E, beta-carotene. The main elements present in microgreens are potassium and iron. Vitamin C is six times higher in red cabbage seedlings while B carotene is three times higher in cilantro.

How are they used?

Microgreens are used as basic ingredients of sweet and savory dishes, as a garnish, a decorative element and as a raw material. The microgreens especially of the aromatic plants offer intense flavors and textures even in the creation of original drinks.

How are the microgreens grown?

The cultivation process of microgreens has specific steps and varies slightly according to the size, the type of plant and the volume occupied by the seeds, which are initially the dense sowing in the respective substrate with the planting of approximately three seeds per square centimeter. The first two days must be dark with a temperature around 22℃ and a relative humidity equal to 85%.

When the seeds germinate, they must be exposed to light so that photosynthesis occurs and then the growth of the plant until the development of the first true leaves and harvest. The plants are exposed to light for about 12 hours a day and watered with a nutrient solution containing all the micronutrients necessary for plant growth.

How do we harvest microgreens?

The duration of cultivation for most species ranges from 7-21 days after sowing. Harvest day depends on plant species and environmental conditions. The harvest takes place when the cotyledons are fully developed, the first true leaves have appeared and the plants are about 5-10cm tall. After harvesting, they are washed and stored in the refrigerator. Another way of harvesting is to avoid cutting and packing together with the substrate, but the plants continue to grow.