What are microgreens? They are simply the tiny, immature version of vegetables, herbs and other plants which are generally harvested between 1-2 weeks after germination. So they are the exact same plants as any normal vegetable, but just harvested much earlier.
So why should we be at all interested in microgreens? Anyone interested in BETTER NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS and BETTER TASTE should eat microgreens. It has only recently been discovered that microgreens are really a SUPER FOOD, having a SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER LEVEL OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS than their mature version.
Researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently completed a surprising and ground-breaking study to determine the nutritional benefits of microgreens compared to their mature counterparts.
Assistant professor Qin Wang PhD, and graduate student Zhenlei Xiao, from the College of AGNR’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC) participated in the study. They looked at the nutritional value of microgreens on vitamins such as C, E and K, along with microgreens’ levels of beta carotene. And their shocking discovery showed that microgreens contain 4-40 TIMES MORE NUTRIENTS than their mature counterparts. For example, Broccoli microgreens possess 40 TIMES MORE NUTRIENTS than adult Broccoli.
These important findings were published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. “We were really surprised,” Wang said of the findings. “Those nutrients are very important to us. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, as well as Vitamin E, so they’re very important for us to consume.”
“Some of the nutrients were really, really high,” said Xiao. “We thought it might have been a mistake but we double-checked so many times and there were no mistakes.”
Evidence has long demonstrated that microgreens pack a potent punch of antioxidants, but until now, there has been no research to back up this belief. “There’s just no evidence,” said Wang. “That’s what motivates us to do this kind of research.”
But how can microgreens be incorporated into our daily food consumption? “I would say adding it to your sandwich, soup or salad, it definitely will taste better than if you eat it alone.” Xiao said. “They are really good food enhancers.”
The truth is, asking how to eat microgreens is a lot like asking how to drink water. Microgreens literally go with basically EVERYTHING! You can add microgreens to your eggs, your meat, your potatoes, your sandwiches, your rice, your pizza, your pasta, your smoothies, your salads…you get the idea. So eat microgreens to IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND ENRICH YOUR LIFE!
As with all foods, microgreens come in a wide variety of colors and tastes. Guaranteed, this tasty and nutritious super food has something for everyone. Let me introduce you to the 6 varieties of microgreens we presently grow here at Dale Farm Life.
Let’s begin with our ever popular Di Cicco Broccoli. This beautiful option provides
Now let’s look at our exquisitely colorful and spicy Rambo Radish microgreens. These microgreens boast strikingly gorgeous rosy stems with a redish and pupleish color mixture. This microgreen adds both a tasty and spicy flair to most any meal.
Radish microgreens pack a tremendous nutritional punch with a wonderful spicy kick. Here are a few of their benefits: Anti-inflammatory benefits which actually reduces swelling and pain when our bodies are suffering. It also is a natural diuretic which reduces blood pressure. How’s that for NATURAL MEDICINE! Radish microgreens also help to detoxify and cleanse your body of impurities.
Have you tried our Black Oil Sunflower microgreens yet? If not, you’re missing out on a very special and unique flavor with amazing nutritional benefits.
Our Sunflower microgreens provide a savory, nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Most folks really love the special Sunflower taste which is full of an in-demand flavor, texture, crunch and sweetness you simply can’t find in other microgreens. And unlike most other Sunflower options, our Sunflower microgreens are completely organic.
Sunflower microgreens boast essentially and naturally healthy sunflower oil. Similar to other naturally occurring oils like olive, grape, avocado and fish, Black Oil Sunflower oil is full of Vitamin E which benefits things such as our skin, hair and heart.
Our Sunflower microgreens are chuck full of nutritional benefits, packing a whopping 10 TIMES more vitamins and nutrients than a fully mature plant. This occurs because as the seed germinates, the levels of essential nutrients are boosted to ensure that the seed reaches full maturity. Also, bear in mind that Sunflower microgreens should be eaten within 2 weeks of harvest to enjoy their peak of flavor and nutritional benefits.
Eating Sunflower microgreens are rich in protein and amino acids along with essential bone-healthy calcium and trace minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Other than shellfish, microgreens are THE ONLY natural source of trace minerals.