Microgreens are the edible young greens produced from various vegetables, herbs and other plants. Ranging in size, these nutritious plants are typically harvested between six and 11 days after they are planted. Known for their small stature, bright hues and fresh flavor, microgreens have been favored by many chefs and are making their way to home dinner tables across the region.
Scientists have found that microgreens pack a healthy punch when compared to their adult counterparts. The USDA has conducted several studies assessing the nutrition content of microgreens and they have found phenomenally higher levels of phytonutrients and vitamin concentrations compared with the mature vegetables. According to nutritionfacts.org, “Microgreens won hands down (leaves down?), possessing significantly higher nutrient densities than mature leaves. For example, red cabbage microgreens have a 6-fold higher vitamin C concentration than mature red cabbage and 69 times the vitamin K.”
Tahoe Living Greens grows a wide variety of microgreens – each with their own special flavor and health benefits. Here is just a sampling of the micgrogreen menu you’ll find in the indoor hydroponic garden:
MICROGREEN MENU
ARUGULA
Green Guide: Zesty, nutty and green. Arugula is one of the most popular salad greens throughout the world. Adding arugula as a microgreen to a salad, sandwich or pizza enhances both flavor and nutrition.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C and E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Antioxidants, All Essential Amino Acids
Protein Packed: 20-25%
ALFALFA
Green Guide: Crunchy and mild, alfalfa tastes like summer. Great in sandwiches, salads or as a salad by itself!
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Amino Acids, Trace Elements
Protein Packed: 35%
BROCCOLI
Green Guide: Mild, slightly spicy and tender. It tastes like Broccoli! Famous for its antioxidant content, broccoli microgreens contain four-to-40 times the nutrients found in mature broccoli by weight.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Trace Elements, Amino Acids, Antioxidants
Protein Packed: 35%
FRENCH GARDEN
Green Guide: A blend that’s mildly sweet, tangy, bitter and peppery with Clover, Arugula, Cress, Radish, Fenugreek & Dill. This is a salad all on one tray with no mixing required. This is also an excellent green source for women.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Amino Acids, Antioxidants, Trace Elements
Protein Packed: 35%
LONG LIFE MIX
Green Guide: Mix includes mild cabbage to peppery cress and everything in between. With Broccoli, Red & Green Cabbage, Radish, Mustard, Arugula, Cress, Mizuna and Tatsoi, this combination of eight Brassicas is another easy-to-make micgrogreen salad mix.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Trace Elements, Amino Acids, Antioxidants
Protein Packed: 25-35%
NALO MIX
Green Guide: With Buckwheat, Lettuce, Sunflower Greens, Pea Shoots and Radish, this mix is fresh, delicate and meaty. A really great combination of flavors and textures. Trending on the gourmet side of microgreens, the Nalo Mix packs more flavor and is filled with nutrition!
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C and E, Calcium, Chlorophyll, Iron, Lecithin, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium Amino Acids
Protein Packed: 20%
GARLIC CHIVES
Green Guide: The favor is totally garlic and gourmet delight!
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, and E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc Carotene, Chlorophyll, Amino Acids, Trace Elements
Protein Packed: 20%
PURPLE KOHLRABI
Green Guide: Nice, mild flavor that is very tender. This microgreen takes your salad, sandwich or main dish from plain to pretty.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Amino Acids, Trace Elements, Antioxidants
Protein Packed: 30-35%
RADISH
Green Guide: Radish sprouts taste like the plant they would grow into if planted in the garden – they’re spicy and hot. If you like radishes, you’ll love these microgreens. They are great on sandwiches, salads, steaks and roasts.
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Amino Acids, Trace Elements, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Antioxidants
Protein Packed: 30-35%
SUNFLOWER
Green Guide: The dense texture is much like fresh spinach with a nutty and green flavor. Great in salads and smoothies. Addictive flavor just like sunflower seeds!
Nutritious Nudge: Vitamins A, B, C and E, Calcium, Chlorophyll, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Amino Acids
Protein Packed: 20-25%