Who doesn't love fresh vegetables and salads? Now, thanks to this revolutionary technology, you can easily grow your own vegetables at home. Microgreens are essentially mini-vegetables or mini-salads - the shoots of a plant grown from the seeds of leafy, brassica or root vegetables. If you don't have a garden and would still like to eat fresh, organic vegetables, get started growing microgreens.

What are microgreens?

Basically, the English name could be translated as mini salad or mini vegetables. Microgreens are the sprouts of green vegetable crops used for eating at the 1-2 true leaf stage (usually no more than 10-14 days old, 4-6 days for early maturing crops such as watercress). The plants grow to a maximum height of about 4 cm. Even when the plants are this small, they taste just like their bigger brothers. This method of cultivation is very easy and does not require much space or special conditions, and you do not have to wait long for the harvest. If you are one of those busy people you can manage the care of your micro garden. All you need for microgreens is a little space on your windowsill, the right seeds and substrate. What's more, your children will love it and will soon be involved in growing their own.

What plants can be grown?

Many crops are suitable for microgreens such as cress, coriander, basil, radish, daikon, all types of cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi, red cabbage, arugula, beetroot, amaranth, sunflowers, peas, cereals and many more. Basically all leafy, brassica and root vegetables. It's definitely worth experimenting as everyone has slightly different tastes and flavours. It is recommended to avoid only beans - its sprouts contain substances toxic to the human body.

The advantage of microgreens

This crop is really very advantageous because the young plants contain a high concentration of biologically active substances, which is much higher than in adult vegetables, fruits or vegetables and even more than in seedlings. In addition, when plant foods are stored, some of their useful properties are lost. Microgreens, on the other hand, are always eaten fresh and thus retain all their valuable nutrients. In addition, most types of microgreens have a pronounced antioxidant effect and have a beneficial effect on digestion. All dieters will appreciate the low-calorie content of this product.

How to grow microgreens at home?

It all starts with the seeds and you should buy those specifically designed for microgreens. Ordinary seeds are treated with various chemicals that could enter your body in the form of small plants. Heat, humidity and light are also very important. In addition, unlike regular vegetable crops that require additional lighting, microgreens can grow in normal daylight. A moist environment is the absolute basis for seed germination and subsequent green growth. However, it is very important that mould does not appear, if it does destroy the product immediately as it is not suitable for consumption. You do not need to buy any special equipment for growing, any container will do, using different types of substrate: ready-made soil mixtures for seedlings, coir, sawdust, vermiculite, perlite, hydrogel, etc. - even ordinary gauze, cotton cloth or cotton pads will do.

Tip: Microgreens are the perfect ingredient for salads, sandwiches, dressings, sauces or just on bread with butter and salt. You're sure to love them.

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