Microgreens - Live To 120!

There have been many astonishing claims about the wonders of microgreens although the so-called nutrition 'Experts' of traditional medicine tend to refute them. As we all know, there is no money to be made off off healthy people.

In 2012, the Journal of Agricultural and Pabulum Chemistry published the first scientific data on the alimental content of 25 different Microgreens. The astonishing discovery showed that they are they are all significantly more nutrient dense (10-40 times!) than their mature plant counterparts.

So What Exactly Are Microgreens?

Most people assume microgreens are sprouts. They are not.

Microgreens are tender immature greens produced from the seeds of vegetables and herbs, having two fully developed cotyledon leaves with or without the emergence of a rudimentary pair of first true leaves. Microgreens are usually 2.5−7.6 cm (1−3 in.) in height,harvested at 7−14 days after germination, depending on the species, and sold with the stem and attached cotyledons (seed leaves). Although small in size, microgreens can provide a large array of intense flavours, vivid colours and tender textures. Therefore, microgreens can be served as an ingredient in salads, soups, and paleo sandwiches, enhancing their color, texture, and/or flavour, and also can be used as edible garnish to brighten up a wide variety of main dishes.

Microgreens vs Sprouts

• Microgreens

  • Microgreens seeds are thinly spread out over the surface of soil, and then lightly covered with additional soil.
  • At moderate temperatures they slowly germinate toward the sunlight.
  • They are watered only when the soil becomes dry.
  • The seeds remain in place with no mixing.
  • Ultraviolet light from the sun is an effective sterilizer.
  • None of this process is conducive to spreading any pathogens.
  • The roots enter the tiny pores of the soil to search for the nutrients and the leaves absorb sunlight to create a flavourful and nutritious plant.
  • In a couple weeks the stems, cotyledon leaves, and small “true” leaves are harvested. (The roots and original seed remain in the soil.)

• Sprouts

  • Sprouts are germinated seeds grown with no soil or sunlight.
  • The seeds are frequently tossed and rinsed with warm water for quick germination.
  • If there happen to be any pathogens on or in the seeds, they rapidly proliferate due to frequent agitation in the warm, moist and dark conditions.
  • So great care must be taken to start with tested safe seeds.
  • Within a few days the original seed along with rootlets, stem and cotyledon (primary) leaves are ready to eat.
  • Greenbelt Microgreens has never produced or sold any Sprouts.

A Small Taste

There are dozens of varieties. A few of the most popular are described below.

• Broccoli

Flavour: Peppery with with a hint of broccoli flavor. Eat it right out of the container or add to salads, soups, and paleo sandwiches.

Vitamins/Compounds: Sulforaphane.

• Arugula

Flavour: You definitely know you're eating arugula when you bite into it followed by an endearing savory aftertaste. Eat it right out of the container or pour a generou amount of good olive oil over it.

Vitamins/Compounds: Vitamin C, Glucosinolates

• Basil

That wonderful familiar peppery taste you can't get enough of. As always it it raw but it can be added to sauces for flavor. One of the best anti-oxidants you will consume.

Vitamins/Compounds: Magnesium, Vitamin K

• Cilantro

Flavour: Hauntingly aromatic herb that is best mixed with other herbs or spread over your favorite paleo Mexican dish.

Vitamins/Compounds: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Folate. Cilantro is known for it's effectiveness of chelating heavy metals from the body.

• Cress

Flavour: Fabulously shaped leaves make it a wonderful garnish but as usual, I recommend eating it straight out of the container. Its spicy! Think horseradish and use it as such.

Vitamins/Compounds: Excellent source of iron, folate, calcium, and Vitamin A, C, and E.

• Sunflower

Flavour: Sweet, nutty, and crunchy. Great in salads or straight out of the container. Blend into a smoothie. Plus it is sturdy enough to withstand heat.

Vitamins/Compounds: High in Vitamin B, C, and E.

• Pea Shoots

Flavour: You will recognize that distinctive pea flavour instantly. Add at the last moment into stir-fries or blend into a smoothie.

Vitamins/Compounds: Loaded with Vitamin C.

• Radish

Flavour: Colourful and a striking addition to green salads or just eat it straight.

Vitamins/Compounds: Excellent source of folate.

• Kale

Flavour: As with all cruciferous vegetables, make sure you cook it.
Vitamins/Compounds: Contains Vitamin A, and C

• Wheat Grass

Stay away from this one. If humans were designed to eat grasses we'd have three stomachs.

As I mentioned in my previous article (here), humans are designed to eat green leaves 90% of the time and microgreens are the utopia of greens. Once the seed has sprouted most of the harmful lectins found in plant material has dissipated as the seed has completed its mission of procreation leaving a nutrient dense powerhouse for you to enjoy. Incorporate massive amounts of these into your diet and I'll see you at 120!