Microgreens are remarkably easy to harvest straight from the tray or keep in the fridge, and they're great for snacking, whether raw or paired with other foods! Whenever we have a surplus of microgreens, I'll usually snack on them outside or keep a little at my desk.
Microgreens stand out as an option for those looking for healthy snacks that are tasty and nutritious, including for those looking to help kids eat healthier. Microgreens can be sweet while still being extremely healthy.
Even for those not looking for sweetness, microgreens can range in flavor from spicy to nutty to peppery.
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are young plants harvested when they grow their first mature leaf. They're a few inches long and are eaten with both the stems and leaves. There is a wide variety of microgreens with different flavors, sizes, and textures!
For more information, see "What are microgreens?"
How are microgreens healthy?
When microgreens are harvested, the plant is building up the nutrients it will need to grow, and they are harvested with that high concentration. This gives microgreens similar nutritional value to mature plants in their smaller leaves, and studies have found that the concentration of nutrients can be 4-40 times higher than in mature plants.
Microgreens are full of polyphenols. The exact nutrients depend on the microgreens. For example, broccoli and kale microgreens contain sulforaphane, which is a part of what makes broccoli considered so healthy.
For more information, see "What are the health benefits of microgreens?" Each microgreen page on Jaks Family Farms also has a brief description of its health benefits.
How do microgreens taste?
The flavor depends on the microgreen and can even depend on when they're harvested or how much water they're given, but many microgreens taste great when eaten raw! Microgreens may be spicy or even sweet.
Microgreens lack the bitterness that some mature vegetables have. Broccoli microgreens stand out because of this, with their flavor being nutty and even a little sweet. I myself am a bit of a picky eater, and broccoli for me is a little too rough and bitter to snack on easily, but broccoli microgreens were something I enjoy eating raw.
The texture is something that stands out with microgreens. Compared to broccoli or celery, where some may dislike them on texture alone, microgreens are soft, crunchy, or tender leaves that are easy to eat and digest. As leaves, they can be added to dishes or familiar and safe foods much more easily, or they may be eaten on their own.
What are the best microgreens for snacking?
Of course, the best microgreen depends on what you personally like. Microgreens are versatile and easy to experiment with, and they have a lot of applications, even if the raw taste isn't liked. This includes snacking!
For example, for me, wasabi mustard microgreens are too intense and pungent to eat on their own, but I absolutely love them mixed with avocado for a healthy, spicy dip or with cream cheese on a bagel! Some microgreens are also fantastic for avocado toast, quick salads, and more.
Even for microgreens with milder flavors, such as lettuce or cabbage, I would still sometimes take a handful and eat them because they're quick and simple.
With that being said, what would I recommend for snacking?
Broccoli Microgreens - Simple, Healthy, and Versatile
Broccoli microgreens are a classic choice! As mentioned earlier, they're nutty and a little sweet, and are incredibly healthy. They can additionally be used in many dishes easily, thanks to their smaller leaves.
Broccoli microgreens can be paired with cheese and crackers for a more traditional snack, added to a snack plate, or just eaten raw. It also pairs well with avocado for avocado toast or a guacamole! They're among the most versatile of microgreens.
Click here to shop our selection of broccoli microgreens.
Kale Microgreens - Soft, Sweet, and Healthy
Much about broccoli microgreens also applies to its cousin, kale microgreens. Micro kale is less nutty and a little sweeter. Its leaves are slightly more tender, while broccoli is more crunchy. Both are similar in nutritional value.
For snacking, it really comes down to preference. While I personally prefer crunchier leaves for snacking, others may prefer the softer texture, especially for the aforementioned avocado toast or guacamole!
Click here to shop our selection of kale microgreens
Radish Microgreens - The Best for Spice and Strong Flavor
Radish microgreens are a great option for spicy snacking and are also popular. There are a few choices when it comes to radishes between spicy and mild!
Our Daikon radish microgreens contain a strong, spicy flavor within the smaller leaves while having a nice crunch. Then there is the milder Rambo radish, which, while still a little spicy, is considerably less spicy compared to Daikon radish.
Radish microgreens stand out more for their antioxidant properties and intense flavor. These are good options for those looking for something that can be eaten on their own with a lot of spice.
Click here to shop our selection of Daikon radish microgreens
Click here to shop our selection of Rambo radish microgreens
Cantaloupe Microgreens - The Sweetest Microgreens of our Selection
One of the favorites of our microgreen selection for everyone who's tried it, cantaloupe microgreens are sweet and taste remarkably like the cantaloupe fruit as long as they're given plenty of water. With their larger leaves, they can be eaten on their own easily.
Their leaves have a fuzzy and soft texture. This can be a downside to some, and for me, I loved the taste even if I disliked the fuzz, but it is easily paired with cottage cheese for a sweet and super healthy snack.
Click here to shop our selection of cantaloupe microgreens
Fava Bean Microgreens - Nutty and Sweet with Large Leaves
With a nutty, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor, fava Bean microgreens are a nice snack when eaten raw! They have larger leaves that can be munched on for the flavor with a smaller handful.
They can be paired with fruit for a nice snack to emphasize the sweetness, or they may be paired with crackers and toppings.
Click here to shop our selection of Fava bean microgreens
All of these microgreens are also listed in our "Snacking Favorite Microgreens" collection!
