08/30/2023
The Good. The Bad. And the Beautiful.
Microgreens. What are they, how do I use them, and are they really good for me?
What are microgreens? First, let's talk about what they are not. They are not sprouts, shoots, or fully grown vegetables. Microgreens are plants, about 1 to 3 inches tall, that have the cotyledon (fancy word for the first leaf the plant grows). They reach maturity between 7 to 21 days, depending on the variety grown. They are full of flavor and nutrient dense (anywhere between 4 to 40 times the nutrition of the fully grown veggies), Did you get that? 4 to 40 TIMES the nutrition! Let that sink in for a sec. There are actual scientific studies that confirm this statement. The NIH (National Institute of Health) is quite interested in microgreens.
So let's say I grow broccoli microgreens (purportedly one of the healthiest ones), It is 4 to 40 TIMES more nutritious than eating a piece of fully grown broccoli! I'll take that every day of the week! Now, who likes Brussel sprouts? Imagine getting the nutrition of Brussel sprouts in a tiny little plant!
So, microgreens are said to possibly improve heart health, help those with diabetes, may fight cancer, may help treat Alzheimer's disease, may reduce kidney disease, and may improve digestion. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and contain significant levels of microelements and macroelements. Microgreens also contain polyphenols (great for antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties). Water requirement to grow them is much less than their fully grown veggie version.
Wow! So far, microgreens have a pretty impressive resume! So, we've covered The Good.
What about The Bad? Caution should be used with microgreens for pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune system.
Now for The Beautiful. Not only are microgreens healthy and tasty, they're fairly easy to grow and rather inexpensive. Want to try them right away? Check out your local grocery store or perhaps health food store.
But what about our furry companions? Are microgreens okay for them to eat? Well, according to Barnabas (my companion), the answer is a resounding YES! There are several articles online substantiating Barnabas's vote.
So, the question becomes....What to do with these tiny green power house of nutrition? I like to take a handful or two of microgreens and put them in a bowl, slice up several garlic stuffed olives, add olive oil and balsamic vinegar. That's how both Barnabas and I like our microgreen salad. Quick. Easy. Delicious. And, oh so nutritious! The K.I.S.S. principle. Keep. It. Simple. Silly.
I also like to add a handful to my morning smoothie. They take smoothies to a new level! Microgreens can be added to any salad, omelet, toast, sandwich.....the list goes on. Get creative. Let me know how you use microgreens.
That's an overview of microgreens. Please let me know your thoughts. Is this post helpful? Is there a food you'd like me to take a deep dive into?
