What are microgreens?

Here, the word “micro” says it all. Young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs are known as microgreens. Microgreens can be picked and consumed a week to ten days after the cotyledon — a portion of the embryo within the seed — leaves have developed, unlike larger herbs and vegetables that take weeks or months to grow.

These miniature versions barely reach a few inches in length and are available in 50 to 60 various kinds. Due to their increased expense, microgreens were once only found on fine dinner plates and in boutique grocery stores.

Growers need fresh soil, seed, and a sterilized container or growing mat after each harvest to continue the growing process. When compared to mature herbs and vegetables that grow back after being chopped or clipped, these expenditures add up quickly.

Microgreens have become more popular now that they can be cultivated at home. To offer a floral contrast, add them to a salad, put them on a sandwich, or top a steak or fish with them.

Microgreens are not to be confused with sprouts. To create undeveloped leaves, sprouts are germinated in water rather than soil for one or two days. Microgreens require soil and sunlight to thrive, and it takes at least a week for leaves to appear.

Microgreens Improve Your Heart Health

Microgreens, like vegetables, are known for their heart-healthy properties. Although neither veggies nor microgreens are a panacea for a healthy heart on their own, they can play a significant role when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Microgreens Reduce Chronic Disease Risk

Microgreens have been shown to reduce inflammation and are thought to help lessen the incidence of a variety of cancers. Microgreens have also been linked to a reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Microgreens Are Easy and Convenient

Microgreens are picked when their stems are just 2 or 3 inches tall and have their first leaves, as previously stated. This means they’re small and simple to use, with no peeling or chopping required. Microgreens take only 3 to 4 weeks of growing from seed to harvest because they are ready to eat so soon. Microgreens are so rapid and easy to cultivate that many people are starting to grow them in trays on their windowsills at home for convenience.

Microgreens Are High In Nutrients

Most vegetables are well-known for their high concentrations of minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as other beneficial qualities like high manganese and folate levels.

Manganese is required for proper brain functioning. Although the body stores a tiny quantity of manganese in its important organs, you must obtain additional levels through your food.
Folate is a B vitamin that is required for red and white blood cell formation as well as the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. This is especially vital during pregnancy, for newborns, and for young children, because rapid bodily growth necessitates it.
Microgreens have the same amount of nutrients as their full-grown counterparts and typically have 4 to 40 times more (by weight). This is because they are taken young when they still contain the additional nutrients required for the adult plant’s growth and flowering.

Microgreens Contain Polyphenols

Polyphenols are antioxidant substances that are proven to help your body rid itself of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules or atoms that can cause cell damage and, as a result, can lead to chronic disease.

Where to find Long Island Microgreens

Huntington Microgreens (Finest Foods)

Huntington Microgreens is a tiny ‘direct to community’ farm that provides free home delivery throughout Long Island NY. They grow four different types of nutrient-dense microgreens:

• Sunflower
• Broccoli
• Sweet Pea
• Radish

Here’s a video from Donny Greens himself:

Long Island Microgreens

Long Island Microgreens is another local farmer where you can find nutritious microgreens. Their microgreens are incredibly healthy and tasty and are produced using our veganic growing methods. You can order their in-stock microgreens or have them grown to order. They have free local delivery for orders over $35.00.

T&C Microgreens

T&C Microgreens is a Long Island-based urban farm that provides microgreens to restaurants and residential areas. They are based out of Selden.

Their company has been providing the highest quality and assortment of Microgreens to its customers for many years. They supply consumers with fresh and delicious food at a reasonable price. Their company’s objective is to ensure that all of their clients are completely happy.

When the growth cycle is through, extra care and attention are paid to harvesting and packing, resulting in exceptional quality and freshness that outlasts all others. This ensures that fresh microgreens are delivered to all sections of Long Island shortly after harvest.

Urban Fields Agriculture

Urban Fields Agriculture is a fully hydroponic, vertical farm in Patchogue, NY, with the objective of supplying fresh, sustainably grown produce to our community all year. All of our produce is cultivated in a climate-controlled, indoor environment, allowing us to optimize growth conditions for the greatest outcomes.

Here are the varieties they offer:

• Genovese Basil
• Red Amaranth
• Mild Mix
• Red Arrow Radish
• Spicy Mix

They currently do not home deliver. You can find their microgreens at these Long Island locations.

Please let us know if there should be an update of some type to this guide. You can let us know on the forum.