What’s Special About Microgreens?
Despite being tiny, microgreens are mighty greens bursting with nutrition and flavour. Young seedlings, herbs, grains, and microgreens are grown just after they sprout their very first leaves, making them the new darling in the culinary and wellness world.
Give your dishes and health-game a boost with microgreens, regardless of whether you are an experienced chef or a kitchen newbie. But what makes them special? Let’s dive deep!
Are Microgreens The OG Superfood?
Yes, they just might be! These tiny microgreens can contain as much as 40 times more nutrients than their fully grown counterparts. For instance, red cabbage microgreens are rich in Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, broccoli’s Microgreens are chock full of sulforaphane, a compound which is linked with cancer prevention.
These are probably the most robust greens available, the highest amount of antioxidants, whether it is building up your immunities, improving digestion and overall health. Microgreens are a game-changer.
Which Microgreens Are The Best To Start With?
Microgreens are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and taste. Here are some popular ones to get you started:
1. Broccoli Microgreens
Abundant in nutrients, broccoli microgreens have a mild, earthy flavor. Packed with sulforaphane—a compound popular for its anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties—these microgreens are a healthy addition to sandwiches, pasta, smoothies or as a garnish to top your favorite dishes.
2. Radish Microgreens
If you are craving for a bold, spicy and zesty flavor, then radish microgreens are the right go-to. Their pepper-like taste makes them the perfect topping for tacos, sandwiches, spaghetti or avocado toast. Radish microgreens are rich in vitamin A, C, and E, and anti-oxidants, and they promote gut health. If you need your dishes looking great, then their vibrant green and purple would add visual appeal to your culinary creations.
3. Sunflower Microgreens
Celebrated for their crispy texture and nutty flavor, sunflower microgreens are also high in nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. These tiny seeds help boost skin health, general immunity and gut health. They are crunchy and perfect for salads.
4. Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are infamous for their sweetness and tender textures. Their green curls make them an elegant garnish as well. Their delicate flavor complements soups, pasta and other dishes. Pea shoots are rich in vitamins A, C and K, which promote healthy vision, bones and blood health.
Want to cultivate microgreens at home? It’s Not as Hard as You Think!
Do you see a garden growing in your kitchen? Growing Microgreens is a simple project, and can successfully grow them. Here’s how to begin:
1. Pick Your Seeds: Arugula, Kale, and Sunflower are all excellent options.
2. Set Up Your Tray: Fill a shallow container with soil or a growing medium.
3. Plant and Water: Distribute the seeds evenly, cover lightly, and water sparingly.
4. Harvest Time: Seven to fourteen days after planting, your microgreens are ready for consumption.
Growing your own microgreens reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly living, in addition to providing a constant supply of fresh greens.
How are Chefs Using Microgreens to WOW Their Guests?
Top chefs rely on microgreens to give a boost of freshness and visual appeal to dishes. Maybe, it’s avocado toast topped with radish microgreens, vegan poke bowls topped with pea shoots, or possibly just garnishing a cocktail with bright sprouts of arugula.
Ready to be inspired? Check us out at Planted Detroit, where innovative salads featuring microgreens take center stage. Commitment to sustainability and freshness makes you rethink your meals.
Ready To Cook? Try These Microgreen Recipes!
The best thing to add to your everyday foods is microgreens. Here are some tips on how to make delicious preparations using them.
1. Zesty Microgreen Salad: Just mix arugula and radish microgreens with citrus segments and a tangy vinaigrette. You could combine it with a nutrient-bomb salad bowl like the Golden Sesame Salad Bowl from Planted Detroit!
2. Power Vegan Smoothie: Combine pea shoots, kale micro greens, banana, and almond milk for a nutrient-rich drink. Pair a bowl of rich micro-greens like the Pearled Couscous Salad Bowl and your body will thank you for it.
3. Microgreen Pesto: Instead of basil, sunflower microgreens make an incredibly nutty twist on this classic sauce.
Curious about microgreens in a vegan diet? They’re a match made in heaven. If you’re a vegan, we know that it’s all about nutrient density- and microgreens deliver it in spades. These greens represent a great source of plant - based nutrients offering necessary vitamins, minerals, and even a surprising protein boost.
Their versatility is a winning point. Imagine a bowl of creamy vegan pasta topped with spicy radish microgreens or a fresh smoothie topped with sweet pea shots. They are not just functional but downright delicious.
Pro Tip: Keep a mix of microgreens in your fridge to add that fresh zest to anything!
Explore Planted Detroit’s Unique Salad Bowls
We have five signature salad bowls, where all their expertly grown microgreens and greens are accented. Each bowl brings fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and balanced nutrition.
Blended with mixed greens like golden frill, red Russian kale, pea shoots, and dried cranberries, this salad is a beautiful mix of flavors. Sprinkled with feta cheese and roasted and salted chickpeas, this salad has nutrition and vibrant flavor in one single bowl.
Highlights: Perfect for lovers of the sweet salty combination.
Just like its name, this salad bowl is a favourite among gym-goers and calorie-conscious folks. Whipped in balsamic vinaigrette that has Omega 3, this salad bowl has mozzarella and provolone cheese. Garnished with salted pepitas, ditch cravings with this protein-rich bowl!
Highlights: Will be on top of your list if you love cheese!
3. Blueberry & Walnut Salad bowl.
Want something sweet and rich in texture and protein? This salad bowl is the chosen one then. Featuring white French Dijon vinaigrette, chopped walnuts, and dried blueberries, this salad bowl is as tasty as it can get. In for a cheesy surprise? This salad is sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese for flavor.
Highlights: If you’re up for a rollercoaster flavor-ride, this salad is just the right one for you.
Dressed in Barcelona vinaigrette by Cindy’s Kitchen, the Pearled Couscous Salad bowl has a minty undertone. It’s got feta cheese and pearled couscous to add to the texture and flavour. Sprinkled with salted pepitas, this salad bowl feels like a light lunch on a productive day.
Highlights: A superfood-packed bowl created with health-lovers in mind
Buckle up because this salad bowl has an explosion of flavors. Dressed in almond sesame ginger dressing by Cindy’s Kitchen, the Golden Sesame Salad bowl has green peas, golden raisins and salted sesame sticks to add to its flavor.
Highlights: If you love to explore zest and East Asian inspired flavors, this salad bowl is for you.
Why Should Microgreens Be Your Next Kitchen Staple?
Microgreens are not a fad; rather they are an upgrade. First, there is their nutritional value, the second is their versatility, and third, they are sustainable.
Start adding them to your meals starting today. Whether you grow them, buy them fresh, or use a recipe from us at Planted Detroit, microgreens are ready to transform your diet. Don’t have time to grow your own? No problem! Local and online supplies offer a wide variety of fresh, high-quality microgreens. A tried and true favorite is Planted Detroit.