It took me a long time to try micro greens, mostly because of my reverse-snob tendencies: they just sounded too trendy and precious. But when my local Trader Joe's started to stock tubs of organic micro greens, I decided to give them a try. Now I'm a convert. Read on for why I think these delicious, crunchy flavor-filled flecks of greenery should not be ignored!
First, what are micro greens? I got the following information from a company called Fresh Origins, a producer of micro greens and other similar products. Micro greens are the small shoots of edible plants. It's important to differentiate between micro greens and sprouts, which are grown in water away from light and consist of the seed, root, stem and undeveloped leaves. Micro greens are planted in soil, or soil substitute, and are harvested by snipping the stem just above the soil surface. They consist of a central stem having two fully developed cotyledon leaves, and often one pair of true leaves. They're usually between 1"-2" long.
Micro greens have a lot of flavor, a nice crunchy texture and are easy to work with. I love piling them on sandwiches and burgers because they don't tend slip off like lettuce and, because they often come in a mix, there's a number of delicious flavor bursts in each bite. Besides sandwiches and burgers, I pile them on pizza after it has come out of the oven and cut, toss them in salads (of course) and use them as garnish. They're especially pretty on cheese platters or scattered over sliced tomatoes. I even garnish vegetable-based soups with them, like butternut squash or sweet potato.
Each micro greens mix is different and changes with the season. My Trader Joe's box lists the following greens/vegetables as potentially being in the tub: mizuna, tatsoi, red mustard, purple kohlrabi, red cabbage, kale, broccoli, collards, celery, arugula, beet tops, amaranth.
Related: What's the Deal with Microgreens (and How to Grow Your Own)
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Thanks for this post. I go to TJs all the time but have never tried these.
Microgreens do make a gorgeous garnish! I plan to use them on my desserts at the restaurant where I work...micro cilantro for the pineapple upside down cake and micro basil for the blueberry acai cheesecake :)
Botanical FYI - It doesn't really make a difference whether the seeds are planted in soil with sunlight or allowed to sprout with just a little water. Both sprouts and microgreens have cotyledons (these are the high energy, primary leaves that are actually present within the seed, and provide the energy for the plant to grow primary foliage). There might be a taste difference between sprouts and microgreens, but botanically, they're the same.
Hype, if you ask me. But that's okay, so long as it's enjoyable :)
P.S. I am totally going to try some next time I'm at TJ's!
This makes me yearn for spring, and a new view toward my 'micro greens' appearing. I'll just snip them right a way, instead of waiting for them to reach maturity. Yay Micro Greens!
At a restaurant I once had micro cilantro with my strawberry rhubarb tart- it was amazingly good! The young cilantro had a very milky taste.
The only problem with these is that they are $3.99 while the pea shoots are $2.99; can't justify paying $4 for a small package of microgreens that will last for maybe two meals. =(
Also be sure to look for mini sweet peppers at Trader Joes (unfortunately in a plastic clamshell).
We are lucky enough to get microgreens/mixed sprouts from a couple of local producers, including Will Allen's Growing Power, which has been one of the leaders in sustainable urban farming. Love them on sandwiches and in salads.
I vote for growing your own! It's so quick and easy, and you can just use any old container on your windowsill.
I agree with chillrepute!
♥♥♥ Growing Power and Will Allen!
RE Growing Power and Will Allen--he is fantastic! I feel privileged to be able to help support the work he does. We here in Milwaukee are very lucky to have him.
Has anyone tried Sowgourmet.co.uk they do some great micro green kits.
I am new to microgreens but I would love to know how to grow microgreens better. Thank you for your post, it will help.