More than just a cute garnish, microgreens are a nutrient powerhouse packed into tiny sprouts. In fact, these little greens have the potential to contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their full-sized counterparts. What are microgreens exactly? They’re just the younger version of your favorite veggies - harvested usually between 7 and 14 days after germination, allowing much of the flavor and nutrition to be concentrated into a green that is only 3-4” tall. That means, just adding a small amount of microgreens to your sandwiches, smoothies, eggs, etc. can boost your meal into a carnival of nutrition! Microgreens can be grown from just about any vegetable or herb - so the variety is endless!
Some of my favorites include:
● Arugula
● Sunflower
● Broccoli
● Beet
● Radish
● Chia
● Basil
Health Benefits of Microgreens:
High In Nutrients:
Our favorite greens are more nutrient-dense per weight as microgreens than as fully mature plants. In fact, in a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it was reported that microgreens contained between 4 and 40 times (!) more nutrients by weight than their fully-grown counterparts. This is amazing because the micro version of your favorite veggies boast the same nutrient diversity but in a much smaller package. This means you can add quite a variety of nutrition quickly with the addition of microgreens to any dish!
High in Antioxidants:
Antioxidants help fight back the build-up of free radicals in your body. Free radicals are highly oxidizing compounds that damage your cells. Many of these antioxidants are present due to the polyphenols found in microgreens (fun tip: polyphenols are also found in red wine and dark chocolate!). Polyphenols have been found to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease, and have also been known to reduce inflammation and support healthy blood sugar regulation. Some microgreens have actually been found to contain a wider variety of polyphenols than their full-sized counterparts.
Heart Healthy:
Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in the US. Along with other chronic diseases, heart disease is often preventable, or least improved, by dietary modifications. Studies have shown that adding microgreens to your diet can reduce weight gain, as well as lower your LDL and triglycerides, improving your heart health and overall wellbeing.
Where can I get microgreens?
You’re in luck! Along with other amazing vendors, Woodside Farms is excited to host Hedstrom Homegrowns at our next pop-up market on Saturday, March 5th from 10 am-1 pm. Their microgreens go the extra mile! All of their seeds are non-GMO, and some are organic and/or heirloom varieties. These greens are free from pesticides and are grown locally here in Hanover County. Check out their website for more information and join us at The Barn for a farm stand with all your favorite winter veggies along with other vendors, live music, and back by popular demand: Brunch in the Barn.
