Microgreens are vegetable shoots that have been harvested only after 20 days of germination but they are best described as small, crunchy and healthy food products that contain a ton of nutrients. Microgreens are usually used in top-notch restaurants to garnish a dish or add colours or flavours to them, but they have started to be used in household recipes as well. They give out a strong and pleasant fragrance while being cooked, and complete a dish. Microgreens are extremely rich in nutrients like minerals, vitamins, fibres and carotenoids. Here are some facts that will help you understand them better.
- They Are Different From Sprouts
While sprouts only germinate within a couple of days in water till they grow roots, small leaves and a stem, microgreens take a longer time to evolve as compared to sprouts. These seedlings usually come in a variety of colours and are perfect to blend with sandwiches, salads and soups
2. They Contain An Abundance Of Nourishing Elements
Microgreens are loaded with iron, magnesium and potassium. They also have plant compounds such as antioxidants because of their concentrated nutrient content. While they might still be in a growing phase when cultivated, the nutrient levels found in them are nine times higher to that as present in mature greens.
3. They Can Cure And Fight Diseases Faster
Microgreens are rich in polyphenols that lower the risk of heart attacks, triglyceride and the levels of cholesterol. The polyphenols present in these greens are also known to slow down the speed of Alzheimer’s.
4. There Are Different Kinds Of Microgreens
Microgreens are grown from a variety of seeds. They are broken down into multiple categories as per their characteristics. Cereals like oats, barley, rice, corn and wheat are sometimes also grown as microgreens. While they are known to be strong and concentrated in taste, there are some that may be bitter or slightly sour.\
Here are a few recipes where you can use microgreens:
- Spring Salad
It’s all about the microgreens with this salad! This salad has all your nutrients covered and will give you spring vibes all the way. It is super easy to make and will only take up to 25 minutes of your day. Read on to know how to make this super healthy salad.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup spinach
- 1/3 cup sliced beets
- 1/3 cup sliced radish
- ½ green sliced cabbage
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp broccoli seeds
- 1 orange, cut into fine pieces
- ½ cubed avocado
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instruction for dressing:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, and mix it well. Keep it aside till the salad is ready.
Instructions for the salad:
- In a large serving bowl add the spinach, sliced beets, radish, cabbage, sunflower seeds and broccoli seeds. Give it a good toss
- Distribute the orange pieces and the cubed avocado evenly on top of the salad
- Season it with salt and pepper and give a light toss
- Scatter the walnuts to garnish the salad
- Pour the dressing evenly on top of the salad and here you have it! Your dish is ready.
2. Tomato and Avocado Toast
This dish is tasty and wholesome. It is also a treat for the eyes. With so many veggies on the go, you will definitely keep your health in check. Scroll down to get the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of baguette bread
- 8 slices of tomato
- 2 diced avocados
- 4 finely chopped kale
- 2 finely cut beets
- 1 juiced lemon
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
Instructions:
- In a small pan, toast the bread till it turns crispy
- Place the sliced tomatoes equally on the bread (2 each bread)
- In a small bowl mix the avocado with the lemon juice and then top it on the tomatoes
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on the mixture
- Add the beets on top followed by kale and voila! Your dish is ready to be served.
Check out What’s The Deal With Microgreens to know more about them.
