Microgreens, those young edible seedlings harvested at an early stage of their development, are true concentrates of nutrients and flavour. Increasingly popular, they bring a touch of freshness, colour, and vitality to your dishes. But their advantages don't stop there! Easy to grow at home, year-round, they represent an ideal solution for healthy and tasty eating.
Why incorporate microgreens into your diet?
- A nutrient powerhouse: microgreens contain concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants often much higher than those of mature plants. They are true "superfoods"!
- Easy digestion: the germination process makes the nutrients more bioavailable and easier for the body to assimilate.
- An explosion of flavour: from delicate and herbaceous notes to pungent and pronounced flavours, there is a variety of microgreens to satisfy all tastes.
- Culinary versatility: salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies, wraps, garnishes... Microgreens can be incorporated into a multitude of dishes, from the simplest to the most elaborate.
- Easy to grow at home: you don't need a garden!
Grow your own microgreens: It's child's play!
Growing microgreens is a fun activity, accessible to everyone, and requires very little equipment and space. It's a great way to have fresh, nutritious greens on hand, even in the city and in winter.
Essential equipment:
- Growing trays or sprouters: shallow trays with drainage holes are ideal. You can also use sprouters (multi-tiered) or reuse containers (clean plastic trays).
- Growing medium: several options are available to you:
- Seedling mix: a light and well-drained potting mix is perfect.
- Coconut coir: a sustainable and ecological alternative to potting mix.
- Hemp or jute mats: practical and clean, they retain moisture well.
- Spray bottle: essential for maintaining constant humidity without waterlogging the seeds.
- Organic sprouting seeds: choose quality seeds, specially designed for sprouting, to avoid any risk of contamination.
The key steps in growing microgreens:
- Preparing the medium: lightly moisten the chosen medium. It should be damp, but not soggy.
- Sowing: spread the seeds evenly on the medium, without overcrowding them. Some seeds (like sunflower) require pre-soaking (a few hours in water).
- Germination: cover the tray with a transparent lid, plastic wrap (with a few ventilation holes), or another inverted tray. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect and maintains humidity. Place the tray in a bright place, but out of direct sunlight.
- Watering: spray the seeds and the medium 1 to 2 times a day, as needed. The medium should remain moist, but never waterlogged.
- Ventilation: after a few days, when the first sprouts appear, remove the lid and ventilate regularly to prevent the development of mould.
- Harvesting: most microgreens are ready to be harvested after 7 to 21 days, when they have developed their first leaves (cotyledons) and, for some, their first true leaves. Cut the greens at the base with clean scissors.
Pro tips for perfect microgreens:
- Light: good lighting is essential for the growth of microgreens. If you lack natural light, a grow light (horticultural LED) can be very useful.
- Crop rotation: to avoid depletion of the medium and diseases, vary the types of seeds you grow.
- Hygiene: thoroughly clean your trays and tools between each crop to prevent the spread of bacteria or mould.
Growing microgreens is a rewarding activity that allows you to enjoy fresh, tasty, and ultra-nutritious greens all year round. Don't hesitate to get started! And to discover all the incredible flavours of microgreens, check out our guide to varieties.
