Microgreens are more than just a culinary trend; it is a revolution in health and nutrition.
Men hvad er micro green egentlig?
How to grow it and why is it so healthy?
Microgreen starter kit
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of microgreens and explore why these tiny plants have become so popular.
Table of contents
ToggleWhat are microgreens?
Det er små planter, der er dyrket fra frø af grøntsager, urter eller blomster. De er høstet i en meget ung alder, normalt mellem 7-14 dage efter spiring. På dette tidspunkt har planterne udviklet deres første sæt ægte blade, kendt som “kimblade”, og måske begynder at udvikle deres andet sæt blade, kendt som “ægte blade”.
Microgreens have become a fairly new term, but they cover many different kinds of young plants that can be grown all year round, both indoors and outdoors, giving many more opportunities to include them in your diet.
The difference between microgreens and sprouts
While microgreens and sprouts both represent early stages in a plant's life cycle, they contain significant differences. Sprouts are the first shoots to emerge from a seed and are typically harvested before they develop full leaves, as seen with bean sprouts. Microgreens are in an intermediate stage, making them easy to grow as sprouts, while still having the nutritional benefits of a more mature plant. They offer a unique opportunity to grow nutritious veg at an early stage of plant development.
Micro greens | Spires | |
---|---|---|
Rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants | Rich in essential and valuable nutrients | |
Varied flavour and texture | Mild flavour, crispy texture | |
Versatile use in many dishes | Often used in sandwiches and salads | |
Lower risk of bacterial contamination | Potential risk of contamination | |
Requires more sunlight and growing space | Requires less sunlight and space |
Are microgreens healthy?
Ja, det er utroligt sundt. De er fyldt med vitaminer, mineraler, antioxidanter og enzymer, som er afgørende for vores helbred.
Forskning har vist, at mikrogrønt har et højere næringsindhold end deres fuldvoksne modparter. For eksempel, en undersøgelse offentliggjort i Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry fandt, at det indeholder op til 40 gange flere næringsstoffer end fuldvoksne planter.
This makes them an excellent source of nutrients and an easy way to increase your daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Health benefits of microgreens
Mikrogrønt er kendt for sin høje koncentration af næringsstoffer , som overstiger niveauerne i deres fuldt udvoksede modstykker. Disse små planter kan bidrage til forbedret fordøjelse, stærkere immunforsvar og kan endda have potentiale til at forebygge visse kroniske sygdomme. Inkludering af dette i kosten tilbyder en nem og lækker måde at booste dit daglige næringsindtag på
Health benefit | Description |
---|---|
High nutritional value | Contains higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals compared to fully grown plants. |
Antioxidant Content | Rich in antioxidants, which can fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. |
Promotes Good Digestion | High fibre content contributes to healthy digestion and prevents constipation. |
Low Calorie | Low in calories, ideal for weight management or weight loss. |
Improves Heart Health | Can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. |
Supports the immune system | High levels of vitamins and minerals can strengthen the immune system. |
Anti-inflammatory Effect | Some have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. |
Anti-Cancer Properties | Bioactive substances in some types are being studied for their potential to protect against cancer. |
How to grow your own organic microgreens all year round
Growing microgreens is relatively simple and does not require much space or equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide to growing microgreens:
- Choose your seeds: There are many different types of microgreens, so the first step is to choose which types you want to grow. Some popular choices include radishes, broccoli, clover, sunflower and peas, remember to choose organic seeds as they are tested for harmful bacteria and chemicals!
- Prepare your soil: Fill a flat tray or container with around 1-2 cm of coconut flour, Remember to choose a type that is leached of salts, otherwise the little plants can't grow! Or use a fibre mat or bamboo mat.
Order your coconut mulch here.
Sow your seeds: Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface. It is important not to sow the seeds too close, as this can lead to mold and fungal growth.
- Cover the seeds: Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of coconut mulch or put another tray on top with an extra weight/stone. This helps to retain the moisture and thus helps the seeds to germinate.
- Water your seeds: Use a fine mist spray bottle to gently water the soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet.
- Place the tray in a warm, bright area: Microgreens need plenty of light to grow, so place the tray in an area with plenty of natural light or under a groly's lamp.
The perfect lamp to grow your microgreen
- Keep the soil moist: It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Use a fine mist spray bottle to water the soil daily after you have removed the top tray. If you have chosen a microgreen tray with a lower tray, water in the lower tray.
- Harvest your microgreens: Once the plants have developed their first set of true leaves, they are ready to be harvested. This usually takes between 7-14 days, depending on the type of microgreens you are growing.
What seeds can you use to grow microgreens?
For microgreens, you must use organic seeds, most vegetable, herb and edible flower seeds can be used as long as they are certified organic. Here are some popular seeds that are often used to grow microgreens:
- Radish: Has a peppery flavour and a beautiful red colour. Perfect as a colourful addition to salads.
- Broccoli: Known for their high antioxidant content. Excellent in both raw and lightly steamed dishes.
- Clover: Has a mild, nutty flavour and is rich in protein, calcium and iron.
- Sunflower: Har en nøddeagtig smag. Passer godt i wraps eller som en snack.
- Peas: Has a sweet and mild flavour. Delicious in fresh salads or as part of a healthy snack.
- Arugula:Has a peppery flavour. Perfect for adding a spicy note to salads.
- Beetroot:Has an earthy flavour and a deep red colour. Great for adding colour and flavour to salads.
- Cabbage: Known for their high nutrient content. Suitable for both raw and cooked dishes.
- Wheat grass: Known for their high chlorophyll content. Most commonly used in juices and smoothies.
- basil: Has a sweet and spicy flavour. A classic in Italian dishes.
- Cilantro: Has a fresh and citrusy flavour. Indispensable in many Asian dishes.
- Dill: Has a mild and aromatic flavour. Excellent in fish dishes and dressings.
- Spinach: Has a mild and earthy flavour. Versatile in both raw and cooked dishes.
- Mustard: Has a sharp and peppery flavour. Good as a spicy addition to salads.
- Buckwheat: Has a nutty flavour. Suitable as a gluten-free alternative in many recipes.
- Alfalfa: Has a mild and nutty flavour. Popular in sandwiches and salads.
- Fennel: Has a sweet and aniseed flavour. Delicious in salads and as a side dish.
- Parsley: Has a fresh and spicy flavour. A classic in many cuisines, from salads to sauces.
- Chia: Has a mild flavour. Excellent added to smoothies or as part of healthy desserts.
- Amaranth: Has a mild and nutty flavour. A great alternative to traditional grains in a variety of dishes.
- Quinoa: Has a mild and nutty flavour. Popular in salads and as a healthy addition to meals.
- Pumpkin: Has a sweet and nutty flavour. Suitable in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Sesame: Has a mild and nutty flavour. Excellent addition to Asian dishes.
- Linseed: Has a mild and nutty flavour. Can be used in baked goods or as a topping on yoghurt.
- Onion: Has a sharp and spicy flavour. A staple ingredient in many cuisines.
- Garlic: Has a strong and spicy flavour. Indispensable in many dishes to add flavour.
- Rye: Has a mild and earthy flavour. Good in bread and other baked goods.
- Mizuna: Has a peppery and spicy flavour. Perfect for flavouring salads and soups.
- Pak Choi: Has a mild and earthy flavour. Great in stir-fry and steamed dishes.
See our diverse range of organic seeds.
It is important to remember that not all seeds are suitable for growing as microgreens. It is best to buy seeds specifically intended for microgreen growing as they are tested for pathogens and are safe to eat raw.
It is also important to follow the growing instructions carefully for each seed as they can vary in their light, water and temperature requirements.
Microgreen starter kit
Here you have the opportunity to buy our small starter packs or our micro garden. With a microgreen starter kit, you get an easy and fun way to grow your own superfood sprouts - fresh, crisp and packed with nutrition. It's a smart investment to boost your meals with an extra shot of vitamins and minerals.
- You can click here to move on to our starter packs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Mikrogrønt er unge skud af grøntsager og urter, høstet kort efter de første ægte blade viser sig. Kendt for deres høje næringsindhold, tilføjer de frisk smag og farve til måltider som salater, sandwich og smoothies. Det er populært for deres ernæringsmæssige og æstetiske værdi.
Holdbarheden af mikrogrønt varierer afhængigt af typen og opbevaringsforholdene, men generelt kan man forvente, at det kan holder sig frisk i cirka 3-5 dage efter høst. For at maksimere holdbarheden skal du opbevare dem i køleskabet i en beholder, der tillader en smule luftcirkulation. Det er også vigtigt at holde dem tørre, da for meget fugt kan fremskynde forrådnelse. Hvis du bemærker, at mikrogrønt begynder at visne eller udvikle en dårlig lugt, er det et tegn på, at de ikke længere er friske og bør kasseres.
Mikrogrønt er højt i vitaminer, mineraler og antioxidanter, hvilket kan reducere risiko for sygdomme som hjerte-kar-sygdomme og kræft. De indeholder flere næringsstoffer per vægtenhed sammenlignet med fuldvoksne grøntsager. Deres høje fiberindhold fremmer god fordøjelse og kan hjælpe med vægtkontrol. Det har også potentielle anti-inflammatoriske egenskaber, der kan være gavnlige for dem med inflammatoriske tilstande.
As there are 2 different microgreen starter packs, their contents will vary, in the first microgreen starter pack (Microgarden) there are the following contents:
The Microgarden kit consists of
- LED grolys lamp with timer
- Under tray
- Spiral lid
- Top tray
- Power supply
- 2 x Bamboo germination mats (More can be purchased)
In the second of the sets, we have the microgreen starter kit where the contents are:
The Microgreen set consists of:
- LED grolys lamp with timer
- Kokus growth medium 9 Liter
- Medium sprout tray, blue
- 10 g. Broccoli Raab, Organic.
- 10 g. Beetroot, organic.
- 10 g. Radishes, Green, Organic.
- 10 g. Cress, organic.
- 50 g. Pea seeds, Eco.