Microgreen and sprout describes two different stages of a plant with their own nutritional benefits, culinary uses, and methods of cultivation.
What are sprouts?
Sprouts are the stage when the plant first emerges from the seed, and they are eaten with the seed. Sprouts are normally only harvested within six days.
How are sprouts grown?
Sprouts are notable for being easy to grow. Plants grown with the intention of being harvested as sprouts are usually only grown in water, as they don't need as much light or nutrients. They can be grown in a jar, bag, or clear container.
How are sprouts eaten?
When eaten, sprouts are still consumed with the seed along with the budding plant.
In order to be eaten safely, sprouts will need to be cooked before consumption due to the potential risk of food-borne pathogens. This is because the humid conditions sprouts are grown in are similar to that of fungi.
A few commonly eaten sprouts include alfalfa and various types of bean sprouts. Sprouts can be sautéed, steamed, or used in stir-fry.
What is the nutritional value of sprouts?
Like microgreens, sprouts also have high amounts of nutritional value, containing the nutrients needed to help the plant to grow. The nutritional value is different depending on the plant.
Sprouts are known for being easy to digest and high in fiber. They have a low amount of calories with the high nutrient density.
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are the stage after sprouts, and are harvested when the plant grows its first true leaves. They are not eaten with the seeds and are instead eaten with the stems and leaves. Microgreens typically take one to three weeks to grow.
For more information, see “What are Microgreens?”
How are microgreens grown?
Microgreens are harvested at the stage when the plant begins to absorb nutrients through its roots and through photosynthesis. This means they need to be grown with plenty of soil and light, and healthy soil in order to form strong roots.
How are microgreens eaten?
Microgreens are eaten with both the stem and the leaves, and unlike sprouts, they are not eaten with the seeds. Some ways microgreens are also eaten includes sandwiches, wraps, juiced, or as garnishes.
Microgreens come in a variety of flavors and textures. Herbal microgreens, like basil, are can be used as an additional flavor or garnish similarly to the fully grown plant. The taste of microgreens comes in many varieties, such as wasabi being spicy and even cantaloupe being rather sweet.
What is the nutritional value of microgreens?
Microgreens are known for their nutritional value and are often used for healthy eating. They have the same nutritional value as the fully grown plant, but their nutrients are far more concentrated due to the plant still growing.
Broccoli microgreens are particularly known for their high nutritional value. Jaks family farm also carries microgreens that are high in antioxidants, fiber, and protein.
