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Ashleigh Smith
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Many microgreens are edible at the microgreens stage of growth. This is the period of time after a vegetable has sprouted and developed its cotyledon and true leaves. Because microgreens are developed from the energy and nutrients stored in the seed, they often offer a greater nutrient density than their mature counterparts. In addition to nutritional differences, there can also be some taste differences. Usually, microgreens have a more pungent flavor than the mature vegetable harvest.
We understand some people are hesitant to try new microgreens if they aren’t sure what the flavor will be or if they will like it. After polling the fans of Mike VanDuzee of @KeeponGrowin’ we created a microgreen sample starter pack that includes 12 varieties of microgreen seeds that interest growers of various experience levels. The sampler includes 1 oz of broccoli, purple radish, spicy salad mix, beet, nasturtium, cilantro, garden cress, sunflower, pak choi, shiso, orach, and pea. Try something new with this special 12 Variety Microgreen Sampler.
Microgreens can show off a variety of flavors. The most common include sweet, savory, bitter, zesty, spicy, earthy, and nutty. Most microgreens will include more than one of these flavors making for unique flavors when paired with your everyday foods. For ideas on how to use microgreens in your day-to-day cooking, check out our “How to Use Microgreens and Sprouts” article.
Sweet
Most people new to trying microgreens tend to like the sweet types the best at first. They tend to be more mild in taste and can be used in many ways. Kids will likely be more open to eating these types, although they may respond well to other flavors as well.
Bitter
While these microgreens have more of a bitter taste, they are still widely liked. Broccoli has a delightful texture that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, and burgers. While wheatgrass is grown with the same technique as other microgreens, it should only be consumed as a juice by people. Pets may benefit from directly chewing on the grass.
Sour or Tangy
These microgreens are known to bring more of a unique flavor to the plate. If growing cilantro microgreens, be sure to split the seeds by gently rolling over them with a rollin pin or lightly crushing them for quicker germination.
Learn more from Mike VanDuzee on YouTube @KeeponGrowin
"Growing some of your own food is empowering, it is a basic necessity that most of us depend on someone else for. Take control of your life and gain the knowledge that will make you a little more self sufficient. It's an awesome feeling and is even better having a virtual salad bar at your fingertips throughout the year!"
About the Author
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I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
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6 comments
Ashley S.
Thank you so much for this article! We are just getting started with microgreens at our home! Loved the information on the flavor profiles!
Charisse
I absolutely love microgreens. They are so versatile. I add some to salads, wraps, sandwiches and even smoothies. My favorite are the spicey ones like radishes. The mature plants are nice but, I love microgreens for the speed of growing them year round.
Brian Santos
If all of my clients like the microgreens that I grow with true leaf products 100% germination rate and happy customers what is not to like.
Brian Santos
all of my clients love the microgreens that I grow with true leaf products 100% germination rate and happy customers what is not to like.
Amanda Barnes
Love love love my micrograms! Excellent way to add in more nutrition. But the absolute best part is that my kids love to grow and eat then as well! Salad mix is a fan favorite in our house! 100% recommend! So easy to grow – we grow ours in the house on our dining table! Pretty & edible!
Charlene
Sample packet suggestion from total newbie. Samples of each type of microgreens from each type of flavor. Ex: ones that are veggie tasting all in one pack; ones that are spicy; etc.. is there a minty flavored one?. Thank you for what you do!
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