Monticello Micro-Greens
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs. “Micro” refers to being small and “greens” refers to herbs. Unlike larger herbs and vegetables that take weeks or months to grow, microgreens can be harvested and eaten in a week to 15 days depending on the specie after the leaves develop. These tiny herbs only grow to a few inches and come in 60 to 70 different varieties. They have an intense aromatic flavor, concentrated nutrient content and come in a variety of colors and textures.
The stems and leaves from microgreens are edible and can be bought on a pad before being harvested and cut at home, keeping them alive until they are consumed. Despite their small stature, microgreens actually boast a more intense flavor than larger vegetables and herbs. Their vibrancy and delicateness make for an obvious choice in terms of visual appeal and giving dishes that necessary pop. These small herbs, though minuscule in size are heavily concentrated in nutrients. Microgreens have intense and unique flavors. Just like how they’re concentrated in nutrients, they’re also packed with intense flavors, featuring complex flavor profiles.
Microgreens can also provide a nice textural contrast. Add a few microgreens to that dish, and your food can go a long way. Microgreens vary in taste, which can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter, they can taste sweet and tangy, depending on the variety. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered more robust and concentrated. What’s more, their nutrient content is concentrated, which means that they often contain higher vitamin, mineral and antioxidant levels than the same quantity of mature greens. Microgreens vary in taste, which can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter, they can taste sweet and tangy, depending on the variety. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered more robust and concentrated. What’s more, their nutrient content is concentrated, which means that they often contain higher vitamin, mineral and antioxidant levels than the same quantity of mature greens.
Pesticide, Fungicide & Fertilizer FREE Microgreens?
Studies have shown that microgreens are loaded with nutrients, such vitamins, C, E, and K, lutein, and beta-carotene, 40 fold than the mature leaves of the same plants. They are packed with nutrients, and rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. Comparing microgreens to more mature greens reports found that nutrient levels in microgreens can be up to nine times higher than those found in mature greens. They contain a wider variety of polyphenols and other antioxidants and they have up to 40 times higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants than those recorded from its mature counter-plants.
There is close to 80 different varieties of microgreen seeds. The seeds are categorized into different plant families. Brassicacease family, includes cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula. Asteracease family includes, lettuce, endive, chicory and radicchio. Apiaceae family includes, dill, carrot, fennel and celery. Amarylidaceae family includes, garlic, onion and leek. Amaranthaeae family includes, amaranth, quinoa swiss chard, beet and spinach. Cucurbitacease family includes melon, cucumber and squash cereals such as rice, oats, wheat, corn and barely, as well as legumes like chickpeas, beans and lentils.
Eating Microgreens are linked to a lower risk of many diseases. This is due to the high amounts of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds they contain. Microgreens are a rich source of polyphenols, a class of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Animal studies show that microgreens may lower triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Microgreens include similar and often greater amounts of these nutrients than mature greens. As such, they may similarly reduce the risk of the following diseases; Heart disease, Alzhemer’s disease, Diabetes, and certain cancers.
How to include Microgreens in your diet!
There are a variety of ways to include microgreens in your diet. Microgreens can be eaten raw, juiced or blended and can be incorporated into a variety of cold and warm dishes. They can be used into an array of dishes, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, fish, meat, eggs, blended in smoothies and juiced. Another way to utilize them is to use them as garnishes on pizzas, soups, omelets, curries and other warm dishes. Microgreens are best and most nutritious when eaten raw to maximize their nutrients and freshness. They not only add color to your dishes as a garnish, they are excellent to add in juices smoothies and salads. Salad is one of the first things that comes to mind when looking for microgreen recipes. Use whichever greens you prefer, whether that’s hearty kale, peppery arugula or zesty mustard greens. You can also add a combination of several types of microgreens and watch your taste buds explode.
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