QUESTION: What’s the most popular microgreen? I am trying to decide which microgreens I want to grow. – Chelsea F
ANSWER: The most popular microgreen is surprisingly sunflower microgreens. When you grow sunflower microgreens, never use bird seed as it’s treated not to sprout.
Instead, use sunflowers from the black oil variety. These are also the healthiest variety of sunflower seeds.
It’s wise to purchase sunflower seeds in bulk. Presoak and plant them in a tray filled with quality soil. Allow the sunflowers to grow for a week to a week and a half prior to harvesting.
Sunflower microgreens are the favorite because of their healthy qualities, versatility in recipes, and overall flavor.
This option for microgreen works well in salads, baked goods, sandwiches, soup, for juicing, or for wraps. How can one plant serve in so many different ways?
It’s because of their delicious flavor. Sunflower microgreens are known for their crunchy texture and sweet but nutty flavor.
This unique flavor profile makes it easy for people to enjoy them raw which is a bonus. When consumed raw, most of their nutrients remain intact.
Sunflower microgreens are an excellent source of vegetarian protein. These microgreens contain most of our body’s daily dietary needs. This includes copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
They also contain vitamins A, D, E, and K. This microgreen has cornered the proverbial market as it seems to have it all.
If you’d like to grow more microgreens, there are a few runner-ups that are considered favorites as well. Consider growing one of these options alongside sunflower microgreens:
- Radish microgreens are another top choice as they’re high in folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, selenium, calcium, zinc, and iron. These microgreens pack a peppery flavor and can be harvested in ten to twelve days.
- Mustard microgreens are a flavorful choice. They provide a bit of spice to your recipes. This selection is high in antioxidants and can be harvested in eight to ten days.
- Garden cress is a nutritious microgreen as it’s high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. It, too, has a peppery flavor profile and can be harvested in eight to twelve days.
- Beet microgreens tend to taste a little like young spinach. It’s another favorite and is high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. You can harvest beet microgreens in fourteen to twenty-eight days.
- Our final favorite microgreen is peas. They’re high in vitamins A, C, and E. Plus, they provide a sweeter flavor. Pea microgreens can be harvested in ten to fourteen days.
What do all of these microgreens have in common that seems to make them favorites? They’re each high in nutrients and flavor. Plus, they can be harvested quickly.
When you need nutritious food quickly and inexpensively, turn to microgreens. Start with these favorites to add a variety of nutrients and flavor profiles to your meals.
More About Microgreens
https://extension.psu.edu/a-step-by-step-guide-for-growing-microgreens-at-home
https://caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/02/what-are-microgreens/
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