Microgreens vs. Sprouts: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

What if we told you that microgreens can pack 40 times more nutrients compared to their adult counterparts? Did you know sprouts can shoot up in 24 hours? Crazy, we know.

Whether you're the type of individual aiming to level up your health or just trying to figure out those fancy green garnishes on avocado toast, well, you came to the right spot. So, let's settle that leafy debate once and for all: Microgreens vs. Sprouts.

A Growing Trend in Nutrition

Now, here's the thing: new health food trends are like the TikTok challenge of the fitness world—just as many seem to pop up every day but only a handful really stick around. Enter into the fray of microgreens and sprouts—the OGs in the wellness space.

These powerhouses are a big deal, creating waves among nutty health advocates and even more refined fine-dining chefs. In the Buddha bowl, in your smoothie, they're stealing nutritional thunder.

Which one would be the better choice for us? Which one deserves the space in your kitchen?
By the end of this blog, you will surely become the green guru!

What Are Microgreens?

That little, cute, delicious version of your favorite vegetable plant bursting with flavor and nutrition. That's a microgreen for you. They are picked right after the first leaves—cotyledons—have burst forth.

Popular varieties? Think of kale, arugula, basil, and radish microgreens. Yeah, they're that bougie. These little dudes are go-to's for Instagram-worthy salads and smoothies all the way up to Michelin-starred plates.

Here's the amazing part: it doesn't look just cute—it's nutritionally dense. That's eating the essence of the vegetable. Why wouldn't a person want that?

What Are Sprouts?

Now, about sprouts—like the slacker cousin of microgreens. Its germinated seeds are harvested right as they begin to grow. Sprouts need nothing more than water and love.

Alfalfa, mung beans, lentils, and broccoli are among the regular culprits, probably often hanging out in salads, getting stuffed into sandwiches, or just enjoyed raw.

Sprouts are refreshing, crunchy, and a bit of "health food rebel" in style. They're simple, raw, and unpretentious but not to be underestimated-they're full of enzymes and nutrients.

Key Differences Between Microgreens and Sprouts

Microgreens and sprouts might seem similar, but they're more like cousins who have entirely different vibes.

Growth Process: Microgreens are grown in soil or hydroponic trays and require light to thrive. They are harvested after the development of their first true leaves, which takes around 1–3 weeks. Sprouts, however, grow completely in water, require no light, and are ready in as little as 3–5 days.

Nutrition Value: Microgreens are the highest in nutrient density, with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sprouts are highly enzymatic and digestible.

Flavor: Microgreens contain intense, powerful flavors, think spicy radish or zesty arugula. Sprouts taste milder, and fresher, with lighter dishes pairing better with this option.

Want to get adventurous with microgreens? Planted Detroit is your source for fresh, locally grown microgreens. It's easier than ever to take your meals to the next level while elevating your health. Team Microgreen or Team Sprout, really- there's no wrong choice- just plenty of delicious possibilities!

Health Benefits of Microgreens

Let's get geeky for a minute. Microgreens are essentially little nutrient bombs. Research has proved that they are richer in vitamins (C, E, K), minerals, and antioxidants as compared to mature plants.

The best part: they can even be the perfect friends for your skin ( hello, glow up!), your heart, and a champion of your immune system! They might help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions.

In summary: microgreens = nature's multivitamin.

Health Benefits of Sprouts

Sprouts are like your humble, don't-judge-me nutritional ninja—they're full of enzymes, hence easier to break down, quite like a ready-to-be-eaten pre-chewed meal (but way less gross).

They help with levels of energy production and are meant to have this anti-cancerous property associated with glucosinolates.

So basically, if someone is looking at a gut-friendly snack with extreme health benefits sprouts are indeed the jam.

Which Is Better? Microgreens or Sprouts?

Who emerges victorious in this leafy face-off?

But, on the downside, sprouts are far more susceptible to contamination. Say the word, salmonella or E. coli. (Yikes!) Microgreens are usually safer due to proper handling in controlled conditions.

So it really depends on your health concerns and what tastes good to you. Why not have both at-home and tag-team them throughout your meals?

Growing Microgreens and Sprouts at Home

Who said you need acres of land to grow these superfoods?

Microgreens:

All you need is a shallow tray with some fresh soil. Grab the seeds of your desired microgreens. Spread the seeds, lightly cover them with the soil, and gently water them. Now let this set-up sunbathe for 7-14 days in a nice sunny spot and there it is. Get in your farmer fit and snip off your fresh produce!

Sprouts:

After you are done choosing your favorite sprout seeds, wash them in water and put them in a jar. Cover the jar with a muslin cloth and secure it tightly with a rubber band. Let it soak overnight. Drain, rinse, and repeat this process twice a day. In just 3–5 days, you’ll see beautiful greens ready to nourish you, right in your kitchen.

Growing your own garden-fresh produce is cheaper, fresher, and sort of therapeutic. And don't forget the bragging rights among friends for mastering the art of urban farming, of course.

Choosing the Right Option for You

So, there you have it: the ultimate showdown between microgreens and sprouts. Both are tiny but mighty, packing a serious punch when it comes to flavor, nutrition, and versatility.

Whether you’re blending microgreens into a smoothie for a nutrient boost or tossing sprouts into a sandwich for that fresh crunch, you can’t go wrong.

The good news is that the decision to have microgreens over sprouts is not a war. They complement each other. If you want a little sophistication for a specific meal to be shown off to your Instagram fans as something that could pass as gourmet, go for microgreens. Or perhaps if you are busy and need some power-packed nutrition to get through the day, go for the microgreens.

Conversely, sprouts represent the ultimate in daily snacks-healthy, easy to grow, and gut-friendly as well. So, if one needs something speedy, easy, and light for the pocket and has a supportive digestive system then it is very suitable.

And don't forget, both of them are surprisingly easy to grow at home; thus, these are the perfect sustainable and inexpensive additions to your diet. The body will appreciate the added nutrition, but your taste buds are going to have a happy dance with each and every bite.

Ready to turn things around? Try these superfoods today and see how those little greens transform not only your meals but your health, too.

Ready to start your wellness journey with fresh, locally grown microgreens? Check out Planted Detroit's broad range and give your plate—and your body—a colorful, flavorful upgrade.