Microgreens and edible flowers are now commonly used in contemporary cuisine, topping restaurant plates and home dishes alike. Though they might look alike, each plays a different function in cooking and presentation. Knowing what differentiates them can assist you in taking your creations to the next level.
Planted Detroit offers both microgreens and edible flowers, offering fresh, high-quality items to home cooks and chefs alike. This blog will discuss their unique characteristics, advantages, and best uses to allow you to figure out when microgreens should be used versus edible flowers.
What Are Microgreens and Edible Flowers?
Microgreens are immature vegetable greens picked at an early age, usually within two weeks of germination. They are highly nutritious and offer a strong flavor burst, and for these reasons, they are popular with health-conscious consumers and professional chefs.
Microgreens are different from sprouts. While sprouts are eaten with their roots, microgreens are cut at the stem and leaves stage, giving a richer texture and taste. Microgreens are cultivated in soil or hydroponic culture and need light to form their characteristic color and flavor.
Popular microgreens are:
- Peppery Arugula—peppery and slightly hot, excellent for salads and sandwiches.
- Mustard greens—tart and pungent, often featured in fancy meals.
- Radish greens—hot and fresh, great to add crunch to meals.
- Kale microgreens—gentle and nutrient-dense, great in smoothies and soups.
- Pea shoots—mild and sweet, perfect for stir-fries and as a garnish.
Understanding Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are flowers that are safe to eat, typically added to improve the visual appeal and taste of foods. They have delicate floral flavors and beautiful colors that provide sophistication to any meal. They are typically applied in desserts, drinks, and fine dining to achieve a classy presentation.
Edible flowers are unlike microgreens because they are used mainly for their looks and not necessarily for their nutritional content. Still, numerous types have soft and distinct tastes that enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
Some popular edible flowers are:
- Viola—Soft and slightly sweet, used for salads and desserts.
- Snapdragon—Aesthetically pleasing and crisp with a neutral flavor.
- Dianthus—Spicy and clove-scented, suitable for cocktails and baked items.
- Calendula—Vibrant and citrusy, traditionally used as a saffron substitute.
- Bachelor Button—Slightly sweet and grassy, ideal for decorative purposes.
- Begonia—Sour and hinting of lemon, introducing zest into foods.
Key Differences Between Microgreens and Edible Flowers
Flavor Profiles
- Microgreens: Peppery, spicy, sweet, or earthy in taste, depending on the type.
- Edible Flowers: Delicate, citrus, floral, or slightly bitter, depending on the type.
Nutritional Benefits
- Microgreens: High in concentrated vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which bring great health benefits.
- Edible Flowers: Lower in nutrient value but include antioxidants and may assist digestion.
Culinary and Decorative Uses
- Microgreens: Mainly used to add texture and flavor to dishes.
- Edible Flowers: Primarily utilized for aesthetic purposes, although some species add subtle flavor profiles.
When to Use Microgreens vs. Edible Flowers?
Microgreens and edible flowers each play special functions in the world of cuisine. Microgreens contribute texture, taste, and nutrients, while edible flowers contribute more for their looks and dainty flavor. Being aware of when to incorporate either can take your dishes to a higher level, whether you are cooking an informal meal at home or plating a fine meal.
Best Uses for Microgreens
Microgreens are very versatile and can be incorporated into all sorts of dishes to add both nutrition and taste. They are ideal for:
- Salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls: Microgreens such as arugula, mustard greens, and radish greens provide a peppery, fresh, or lightly spicy kick to these foods.
- Omelets, pasta, and pizzas: A handful of microgreens is enough to provide a crunchy texture and depth of flavor to warm foods.
- Smoothies and juices: Microgreens like pea shoots and sunflower sprouts are nutrient-dense, so they are excellent in blended beverages.
- Gourmet dishes: Fine dining restaurants frequently employ microgreens to enhance the taste profile of main dishes, giving depth to meats, seafood, and vegetarian courses.
Aside from their flavor, microgreens contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which make them ideal for individuals who want to add more nutrients to their diet.
Best Uses for Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are valued for their beauty and delicate, distinctive tastes. They are ideal for:
- Garnishing cakes, desserts, and cocktails: Flowers such as violas, snapdragons, and calendula bring a lovely, dainty look to baked foods and beverages.
- Flavoring teas, syrups, and flavored water: Certain edible flowers, such as chamomile and lavender, add floral and herbal flavor to drinks.
- Salads and charcuterie boards: Edible flowers add visual appeal and subtle floral flavors to salads and grazing boards.
- Fine-dining presentation: Edible flowers are used by restaurants to create beautiful plating, which adds to the fine-dining experience.
Edible flowers lack the nutritional value of microgreens, but have antioxidants and can help digestion. They are a favorite among food stylists and chefs due to their potential in enhancing food presentation.
Combining Microgreens and Edible Flowers for the Ultimate Dish
Combining microgreens and edible flowers in a dish creates a perfectly balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and delicious meal. Some great pairings are:
- Gourmet salads that combine arugula microgreens and violas
- Sushi rolls topped with mustard greens and calendula petals
- Fine-dining dishes that use radish microgreens for flavor and edible flowers as garnish
Why Do Chefs Love Using Both?
Chefs find the blend of microgreens and edible flowers beneficial because they yield a balanced meal with added color, texture, and nutritional benefits. Microgreens provide pungent flavor and a snappy bite, but edible flowers lend a touch of sophistication and a visual dimension. Combined, they add a presentational value as well as richness to dishes and make them popular in both gourmet and homemade foods. Their flexibility enables chefs to play around with creative combinations of flavors and creative presentation, raising the level of sophistication in any meal. From salads, entrées, or desserts, this dynamic combination turns ordinary meals into gourmet affairs.
How Planted Detroit Provides High-Quality Microgreens and Edible Flowers
Planted Detroit grows microgreens and edible flowers in a controlled indoor vertical farm environment, providing a year-round supply, ideal growing conditions, and a low environmental footprint. Through the application of state-of-the-art hydroponic and indoor farming methods, we grow high-quality, pesticide-free greens and flowers that are both fresh and full of flavor. Our focus on sustainability also extends to efficient water use and a lower carbon footprint, making our products a guilt-free choice for discerning consumers.
Available for Home and Restaurant Use
Planted Detroit provides fresh microgreens and edible flowers to professional chefs and home cooks alike, providing a simple means to add flavor to any dish. Used for garnishing gourmet dishes, adding flavor to everyday salads, or decorating desserts, their products are convenient and versatile. Customers can browse our offerings and order through Planted Detroit's product page, with quick and dependable local delivery.
Elevate Your Meals with Microgreens and Edible Flowers
Both microgreens and edible flowers have special qualities that can take your dining experience to the next level. While microgreens boost flavor and nutrition, edible flowers bring a breathtaking visual appeal. Combining both can result in a gorgeous and tasty outcome. Using high-quality, locally grown products, such as those from Planted Detroit, guarantees the most delicious taste and appearance.
Discover Planted Detroit's array of high-quality microgreens and edible flowers, grown with attention to ensure the highest flavor and freshness. How do you use microgreens and edible flowers in your cooking? Post your go-to recipes and presentation ideas on social media and mention Planted Detroit to get a shoutout!