Posted On 25 Oct 2022,

Researchers have already proven that baby greens have higher levels of phytonutrients than mature leaves, but what about really baby greens–just a week or two old? A team of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists published several studies that evaluated levels of four groups of vital nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and beta-carotene, in 25 different commercially grown microgreens. Microgreens won hands down (leaves down?), possessing significantly higher (5 times higher on average) nutrient densities than mature leaves. They discovered microgreens like red cabbage, cilantro, and radish contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients than their mature counterparts.

Microgreens are tiny, tender, edible greens, smaller than “baby greens,” but harvested later than “sprouts.” Microgreens provide a surprisingly intense flavors, vivid colors, and crisp textures and can be served as a nutritious garnish for salads, soups, plates, and sandwiches.

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“Because microgreens are harvested right after germination, all the nutrients they need to grow are there,” says researcher Qin Wang, PhD. “If they are harvested at the right time they are very concentrated with nutrients, and the flavor and texture is also good.”

“All of these nutrients are extremely important for skin, eyes, and fighting cancer and have all sorts of benefits associated with them,” says researcher Gene Lester, PhD, of the USDA.

Microgreens could easily be confused with sprouts, but they’re not the same thing. Sprouts are seeds germinated in water just long enough (usually 48 hours) to grow roots, a stem and pale, underdeveloped leaves. Microgreens, on the other hand, need soil and sunlight and at least 7 days to grow before you can harvest them.

The flavor of microgreens is also more intense, so a little goes a long way to enhance a meal. They are extremely delicate and, like any raw vegetable, need to be washed carefully before eating. Due to their high water content, cooking microgreens isn’t recommended.

They generally cost more than mature greens but not only do microgreens look pretty and have strong flavor, but they also have an incredible punch of nutrition.

Original Article : Are Microgreens Healthier?