Microgreens have become a trendy addition to many plates, thanks to their high nutritional value and ease of growing at home. Social media is buzzing with videos of people cultivating these tiny greens on kitchen windowsills and in small containers. It is claimed that microgreens can be up to nine times more nutritious than their mature counterparts. But do they really live up to all the hype, or are they just another passing food fad?
Microgreens are small, edible green leafy vegetables harvested just a few weeks after they start growing. These young seedlings are collected shortly after their first true leaves appear. According to Edwina Raj, head of clinical nutrition and dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, microgreens are grown from vegetables, grains, or herbs and are packed with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds. They are known for their vibrant colours, intense flavours, and high nutritional value.
The most common varieties of microgreens include fenugreek leaves, mustard, tulsi, beet greens, cabbage, and amaranth. Grains like chickpeas, beans, barley, chia seeds, rice, wheat, and corn can also be used to produce these tiny greens. Dr Shabana Parveen, a clinical nutritionist at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, points out that microgreens are not just healthy but also add unique taste and texture to dishes, which is why they are widely used in gourmet cooking.
Health experts say microgreens have properties that support overall health. They are believed to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-hyperglycemic, meaning they can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also known to improve heart health and boost immunity due to their concentrated nutrient profile.
While microgreens might look similar to sprouts, they are quite different. Pavithra N Raj, chief dietician at Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, explains that microgreens are a stage between sprouts and baby greens. They are grown in soil or a hydroponic medium with proper light exposure. In contrast, sprouts are cultivated in water or humid environments, often without soil.
When harvesting microgreens, only the stems and leaves are consumed, whereas with sprouts, the entire seed and seedling are eaten. Microgreens are also different from regular greens like spinach or lettuce because they are harvested much earlier, while traditional greens are fully mature plants. This early harvesting gives microgreens a more intense flavour and a denser concentration of nutrients.
One of the reasons microgreens are gaining popularity is that they are easy to grow at home. All you need is a small tray, soil or a hydroponic setup, seeds, and proper sunlight. Within 1–2 weeks, you can have fresh, nutrient-rich greens ready to harvest. For people looking to add a quick health boost to their meals, growing microgreens can be an affordable and convenient option.
ALSO READ: Toxic taps: Scientists sound alarm over ‘Forever Chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water
ALSO READ: Water scarcity and its impact on global food security
While microgreens are healthy, experts advise not to depend on them as your only source of nutrition. They should be included as part of a balanced diet that contains a mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins. It is also important to ensure proper hygiene when growing microgreens at home, as unclean water or contaminated soil could lead to bacterial growth.
Microgreens are best used as a garnish for salads, sandwiches, or soups. Their strong flavour means that even a small handful can add a punch of taste and nutrients to your meal. For those with limited space or time, microgreens are a smart way to grow fresh greens without a full-scale garden.
However, the trend of glorifying microgreens as a miracle food may be slightly exaggerated. While they are nutrient-dense, they cannot replace whole vegetables or a varied diet. Nutritionists recommend seeing them as an addition rather than a replacement.
Microgreens deserve a spot on your plate, but they are not magic foods. They offer a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a small package and can make your meals look and taste better. With their anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, they are a valuable addition to healthy eating.
If you enjoy experimenting with food or want to make your meals more nutritious, growing microgreens at home can be a fun and rewarding activity. They are easy to grow, require minimal space, and give you fresh greens in just a few days.
So, while microgreens may not solve all your health problems, they certainly deserve a try if you want to add more variety and nutrients to your diet.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash