Table of contents:
- What are microgreens?
- Health benefits of microgreens
- How to process microgreens for your daily diet?
Buying vegetables at a greengrocer or at a nearby market is more practical, but have you ever imagined growing your own vegetables at home? You don't need a large area, because some types of green vegetables are so mini that you can plant them in pretty little pots. The tiny green vegetables are called microgreens alias vegetables confetti or micro herb . Come on, get acquainted with this tiny vegetable gang!
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are vegetable seeds that are harvested when they are very young, around 7-14 days after they start to germinate and their young leaves appear. Depending on the variety, microgreens generally have an exotic and pungent taste - they can be neutral, spicy, bitter, sour, or even have a strong spicy flavor.
Which generally includes vegetables microgreens are spinach, arugula, radish, basil, celery, watercress, coriander, parsley, celery, chives, leeks, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, and broccoli. Several types of beans, such as peas and chickpeas are also included microgreens .
Because of its mini size, microgreen You can plant it yourself at home as well as a room decoration plant. You can also buy this tiny vegetable ready-to-eat version at the nearest market or supermarket.
Health benefits of microgreens
These tiny green vegetables are believed to be more nutritious than the adult version of the vegetable that is harvested when "old enough". In addition, these mini green vegetables are also rich in enzymes, making them easier to digest. In mature vegetables, a number of these nutrients can be reduced in portion as they continue to be used as they grow.
Young vegetables still contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, vegetable oils, and protein that are more complete than adult vegetables. The high antioxidant content in plant-based food sources has been shown to be beneficial for health and prevent various chronic diseases - such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Take for example the polyphenol antioxidants that can lower LDL and triglyceride levels, and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Moreover, the risk of bacterial contamination of vegetables microgreens smaller than sprouts or other mature plants. Microgreen does not grow in water media which reduces the potential for bacterial development. The part of the vegetables that is consumed is also limited to the leaves and stems, not to the roots.
Even so, more research on benefits is still needed microgreen for health.
How to process microgreens for your daily diet?
There are many ways to enter microgreens in your diet, for example:
- Add it as a topping for salads, soups, and omelets.
- Mix it into smoothies or juices.
- Using it as a decoration (garnish) in the main course.
- Add it to burgers, sandwiches, or tacos.
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