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Microgreens (sandbox)

Microgreens (micro greens) are a tiny form of young edible greens produced from various kinds of vegetables, herbs or other plants. They range in size from 1” to 1½” including the stem and leaves. A microgreen has a single central stem which has been cut just above the soil line during harvesting. It has two fully developed cotyledon leaves and usually one pair very small, partially developed true leaves. The typical stem and leaf configuration for micro greens is at about 1” to 1½” in height, and ½” to 1“ in width across the top and includes the stem, cotyledon leaves and one set of very small, partially developed true leaves. The average crop-time for most microgreens is 7-14 days from seeding to harvest. Despite their small size, microgreens can have very strong flavors, though not as much so as full-sized greens.

Microgreens are an ingredient used both as a visual and flavor component primarily in fine dining restaurants. Fine dining chefs use microgreens to enhance the beauty and freshness of their dishes with their delicate textures and distinctive flavors.

History Begining in Southern California, Microgreens have been grown in the United States since about the mid 1990′s. There were initially very few varieties offered such as Arugula, Basil, Beets, Kale, Cilantro and a mixture called Rainbow Mix. They are now being grown in most areas of the country with an increasing number of varieties being produced. A form of microgreens sold in a specialized growing medium, cellulose (paper) pulp, has been produced in Europe since about 2002.

Microgeens have recently become more popular due to a commonly held belief that they possess an especially high nutritional content. Despite the fact that such claims are unsubstantiated, the popularity of microgreens has grown rapidly. There are numerous online articles describing how to grow them. Many small "backyard" growers have sprung up selling their greens at farmers markets or to restaurants. Most of these smaller growers may lack adequate food safety programs or insurance. Several coalitions of small farms fought successfully to be exempted from the recently passed food safety legislation. --citation to be added.

Microgreen Specifications Microgreens have three basic parts; a central stem, two cotyledon leaves, and typically the first pair of very young true leaves. Microgreens vary in size depending upon the specific variety grown with the typical size being 1" to 1 1/2" in total length. When the green grows beyond this size, it should no longer be considered a microgreen. Larger sizes have been called Petite Greens.

Microgreens versus Sprouts It is important to understand that Microgreens are not the same as sprouts. There are several important differences. Understanding the different production methods of each can help clear up any confusion between them.

Sprouts are germinated or partially germinated seeds. A sprout consists of the seed, root, stem and pale, underdeveloped leaves. The FDA seeks to regulate all businesses that produce sprouts due to numerous outbreaks of food poisoning. Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been the major causes of sprout-associated illness outbreaks. Commercial sprout processors are asked to follow rigorous FDA Guidelines for production that include multiple laboratory tests of each batch for the presence of pathogenic bacteria, to minimize the threat of food borne illness. Despite these precautions, there continues to be regular recalls and alerts relating to sprouts with more and more restaurants removing them from menus to reduce their liability. In 2011, 52 people died and thousands became ill due to consumption of locally grown organic sprouts in Europe.

Sprout seed is not actually planted, instead, sprouts are produced (processed) in water. A high density of seed is placed inside of sprouting equipment or enclosed containers. The seed germinates rapidly due to the high moisture and humidity levels maintained in the enclosures. Seeds can also be sprouted in cloth bags that are repeatedly soaked in water. The sprouting process occurs in dark or very low light conditions. These dark, wet, crowded conditions are ideal for the rapid proliferation of dangerous pathogenic bacteria.

After a few days of soaking and repeated rinsing in water (several times a day to minimize spoilage), the processing is complete and the sprouts are ready to consume. These sprouted seeds become a tangle of pale roots, stems and leaf buds. Microgreens cannot be grown in this manner.

Microgreens are grown in soil or soil-like materials such as peat moss. Microgreens require high light levels, preferably natural sunlight with low humidity and good air circulation. Microgreens are planted with very low seed density compared to sprout processing. Crop times are generally one to two weeks for most varieties, though some can take four to six weeks. Microgreens are ready to harvest when the leaves are fully expanded. Harvesting is usually with scissors cutting just above the soil surface, excluding any roots. Some growers sell them while still growing, rooted in the growing trays so that they can be cut later. Once removed from their growing environment, these trays of microgreens must be used quickly or they will rapidly begin to elongate and loose color, and flavor.

The conditions that are ideal for growing microgreens do not encourage the growth of dangerous pathogens. These growing methods would not work for the production of sprouts.

With stronger flavors compared to sprouts, they are an excellent ingredient with a wide selection of leaf shapes, textures and colors.

Microgreen Nutrition Microgreens have not yet been analyzed for nutritional content. While many claims are made that they contain high concentrations of various nutritional or beneficial compounds, there simply is no scientific basis for any such claims.

Of interest is that certain sprouts are said to contain particularly high concentrations of beneficial substances. The idea that sprouts are high in nutrition originated from sprouted seeds being analyzed and compared to dry unsprouted seeds. There is a significant difference which has led to unfounded claims that they are high in nutrition compared to other vegetables.

When the USDA compared the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts and full-sized broccoli. Broccoli sprouts are significantly lower in nutritional value.

This relates to microgreens in that since sprouts which are the youngest form of broccoli have lower nutritional value than mature broccoli, it stands to reason that microgreens have lower nutritional value than their full-sized counterparts as well.

Microgreens have less flavor than their full-sized counterparts. The flavors increase in vegetable and herb plants as they mature. It is logical to conclude that the nutritional value also increases as the plant matures.

Microgreen Varieties Microgreens are grown from the same seeds used for normal sized greens, herbs and vegetables. They are seedlings that are harvested while still young.

Many varieties are grown today, most common are Amaranth, Arugula, Beets, Basil, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Cilantro, Cress, Kale, Mustard, and Radish. These can be mixed to create a blend of flavors, colors and textures.

The information contained in this article was obtained from Fresh Origins.

to be continued..

What are microgreens