Microgreens are a popular choice for home gardeners, restaurants, and nutrition-oriented eaters alike. Considered a "superfood" due to the sheer amount of vitamins and minerals they contain, microgreens are emerging as one of the most versatile vegetables on the market.

These tiny vegetables are grown from baby greens, and shouldn't be confused with sprouts. While both are harvested within a couple of weeks after germination, sprouts require no soil for growth and are grown in water. Microgreens, on the other hand, are grown in soil and require sunlight to develop healthy leaves.

If you’re looking to add some new flavor, color, and crunch to your meals, microgreens may be the answer. Microgreens are a relatively new food trend on the rise and for good reason – they’re packed with nutrients. In fact, some studies indicate that these tiny greens contain 40 times more nutrition than their full-grown counterparts.

So, what exactly are microgreens? They’re the delicate, tender greens harvested about one or two weeks after sprouting – between the cotyledon and the first true leaves. The seeds used to grow microgreens are the same varieties used to cultivate fully grown veggies. The difference is they’re harvested while they’re still immature.

Unlike sprouts, microgreens have leaves and are grown in soil. The popular varieties are radishes, peas, cilantro, sunflowers, and other cruciferous greens like kale, mustard, and cabbage. Many chefs have taken to microgreens as they provide an added flavor and color to the dish.

As mentioned before, microgreens have an incredible amount of nutrition. They contain a high concentration of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like calcium and magnesium.

In addition to having nutritional benefits, microgreens also possess antibacterial properties. They also carry antioxidants including anthocyanins, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Anthocyanins, for example, are powerful phytochemicals known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

So how should you use microgreens? The possibilities are endless. You can blend them into a salad, toss them in with a sandwich, chop them into a pesto, puree them into a soup, or even add them to a smoothie. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you’re a health enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone looking to get more nutrition into your diet, microgreens may be the perfect solution. These nutrient-rich greens are easy to grow and can be used to add flavor and nutrients to virtually any dish. Try experimenting with different varieties to discover which taste you love the most.