Are you interested in growing your own nutrient-packed greens? Microgreens may be the perfect solution for you! These young, edible greens are harvested just above the soil line and offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at different types of microgreens and provide everything you need to know to get started.
As mentioned, microgreens are young edible greens harvested just above the soil line, typically ranging from 1″ to 1 ½” long. They are both flavorful and nutrient-rich, making them a great addition to any diet. In this guide, we will explore the different types of microgreens and provide beginner tips for growing them.
Types of Microgreens
Amaranth
Amaranth microgreens are known for their bold, bright flavors and vibrant red color. These microgreens are packed with nutrients such as vitamin A and E, and are a great source of protein. To grow amaranth, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, making sure they receive plenty of light.
Recipe: Amaranth microgreens are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. They also make a great garnish for soups and stews.
Arugula
Arugula microgreens are best known for their peppery flavor and dark green leaves. These microgreens are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. To grow arugula, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Toss arugula microgreens with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan cheese for a tangy and refreshing salad.
Beets
Beet microgreens are best known for their earthy flavor and deep red color. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of potassium. To grow beet microgreens, plant the seeds about ½” deep in soil and water them regularly.
Recipe: Beet microgreens are a great addition to smoothies and juices.
Basil
Basil microgreens are known for their sweet and fragrant flavor. These microgreens are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. To grow basil microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, making sure they receive plenty of light.
Recipe: Add basil microgreens to sandwiches or make a flavorful pesto sauce.
Cabbage
Cabbage microgreens have a slightly sweet and mild flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a great source of fiber. To grow cabbage microgreens, plant seeds about ½” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use cabbage microgreens as a base for coleslaw or add to tacos for added crunch.
Celery
Celery microgreens have a mild flavor and are a great source of vitamins A and C. To grow celery microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use celery microgreens in place of traditional celery in soups and stews.
Chard
Chard microgreens have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. These microgreens are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. To grow chard microgreens, plant seeds about ½” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add chard microgreens to omelets or use as a topping for pizza.
Chervil
Chervil microgreens have a mild and delicate flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of iron. To grow chervil microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use chervil microgreens in place of traditional herbs such as parsley and cilantro.
Cilantro
Cilantro microgreens have a fresh and citrusy flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a great source of iron. To grow cilantro microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add cilantro microgreens to salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
Cress
Cress microgreens have a sharp and spicy flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of calcium. To grow cress microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use cress microgreens in place of traditional lettuce in sandwiches and wraps.
Fennel
Fennel microgreens have a mild and slightly sweet flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. To grow fennel microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add fennel microgreens to salads or use as a topping for fish dishes.
Kale
Kale microgreens have a slightly bitter flavor and are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. To grow kale microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add kale microgreens to smoothies or use as a topping for pizza.
Mustard
Mustard microgreens have a spicy and sharp flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of iron. To grow mustard microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil, and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use mustard microgreens to add flavor to sandwiches and wraps.
Parsley
Parsley microgreens have a fresh and slightly fruity flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of iron. To grow parsley microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use parsley microgreens to add flavor to soups and stews.
Radish
Radish microgreens have a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of calcium. To grow radish microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add radish microgreens to salads or use as a garnish for meat dishes.
Sorrel
Sorrel microgreens have a tangy and slightly sour flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of potassium. To grow sorrel microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use sorrel microgreens in salads or add to soups for added flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli microgreens have a slightly nutty flavor and are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium. To grow broccoli microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Add broccoli microgreens to salads or use as a garnish for soups and stews.
Watercress
Watercress microgreens have a peppery and slightly sweet flavor. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a great source of calcium. To grow watercress microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use watercress microgreens in place of traditional lettuce in sandwiches and wraps.
Onion
Onion microgreens have a milder flavor than their full-grown counterparts, making them great as a garnish. These microgreens are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of iron. To grow onion microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use onion microgreens as a garnish for salads, soups, and stews.
Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens have a nutty flavor and are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. To grow sunflower microgreens, plant seeds about ¼” deep in soil and keep them in a sunny location.
Recipe: Use sunflower microgreens in salads or as a garnish for sandwiches and wraps.
Best Microgreens for Beginners
For those new to growing microgreens, some of the best types to start with include radish, lentil, arugula, broccoli, and cress. These microgreens are easy to grow, require little care, and are ideal for those new to gardening.
Tips for Growing Microgreens
Growing microgreens is relatively easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose the best soil for growing microgreens, such as a seed-starting mix or potting soil.
- Water microgreens regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Use a container with drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
- Keep microgreens in a sunny location to ensure they receive enough light.
- Avoid common mistakes such as overcrowding and overwatering.
Personal Experience
One of my favorite microgreens to grow is arugula. It's easy to grow and adds a ton of flavor to salads and sandwiches. I grew mine in a small container on my patio, and it thrived in the sun. Using arugula microgreens also allowed me to have fresh greens throughout the winter months when traditional gardening was not possible.
Conclusion
Microgreens are a great addition to any diet and may offer benefits such as increased nutrient intake and improved digestion. By experimenting with different types of microgreens, you can create tasty and unique flavor combinations that add depth to your meals. Get started today by choosing the best type for you and start growing your own nutrient-packed greens!
Recommended Products on Amazon
| Product Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AeroGarden Indoor Garden | Ideal for growing microgreens indoors |
| Burpee Microgreens Growing Kit | All inclusive kit for growing microgreens |
| Cozihom Seed Starter Trays | Best for starting microgreens indoors |
| Microgreen Seed Assortment | A mix of 12 different types of microgreen seeds |
| Organic Microgreen Seeds | Best organic option for growing microgreens |
FAQs
- What are microgreens?
Microgreens are young edible greens harvested just above the soil line that offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. - Are microgreens healthy?
Yes, microgreens are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A and C and offer numerous health benefits. - How are microgreens different from sprouts?
Microgreens are harvested after the first true leaves have developed, while sprouts are harvested before the first true leaves have developed. - What is the easiest microgreen to grow?
Radish, lentil, arugula, broccoli, and cress are all easy to grow and require little care. - How long do microgreens take to grow?
Microgreens typically take 2-3 weeks to grow to maturity. - Do I need any special equipment to grow microgreens?
While you don’t need any special equipment, using a container with drainage holes and seed-starting mix can help ensure success. - Can I grow microgreens outdoors?
Yes, microgreens can be grown outdoors in a sunny location. - How do I know when it is time to harvest microgreens?
Microgreens are ready to harvest once the first true leaves have
