Grow your microgreens

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1. Definition and characteristics

The term microgreens refers to the second stage of germination. They differ from sprouts by their more advanced growth stage. You have very probably already heard of soybean sprouts? They are simply sprouted soybean seeds, consumed before the first leaves appear.
Unlike sprouts, microgreens are harvested and therefore consumed between the emergence of the cotyledons and the appearance of the first true leaves. The cotyledons, the plant’s first primordial leaves, initiate photosynthesis. They then allow the young plant to produce its own energy after using all the energy provided by the seed.

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Note

The shape of the cotyledons is different from that of the true leaves formed later.

At these two stages of development, a large part of the energy contained in the seed is released to allow the formation of the cotyledons and becomes more easily assimilated by the human body. Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant concentrations will be higher than in mature plants.

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Nutritional value

30 g of young broccoli shoots provide an amount of antioxidants equivalent to 1 kg of mature broccoli

2. Growing microgreens

The key steps for growing microgreens:
1) Soaking the seeds (optional)
To speed up the germination process, you can soak your seeds in water for about 8 hours.

This step is not mandatory. It is sometimes easier to place the dry seeds directly on the potting soil. In that case, water the potting soil more and check that the seeds remain moist at all times.

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Good to know

Seed imbibition is accompanied by water uptake and swelling of the seed, which later promotes the rupture of the outer layers and the emergence of the radicle.

2) Preparing the substrate
Place 2 to 3 cm of potting soil evenly in the growing trays.

3) Moistening the substrate
Even if the seeds have been hydrated beforehand for several hours, it is important to moisten the substrate to promote the emergence of the radicle.
If you did not carry out the soaking step, moisten the substrate more. You can water the potting soil with the spray bottle or directly with a stream of water.

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Do not moisten the substrate too much.

Do not moisten too much to avoid mould development and do not drown the seeds!
As an indication, pour about 500 to 700 mL of water, then mix the potting soil to make it even

4) Distributing the seeds
Once the potting soil is moistened, you can place the seeds in the trays. It is best to rinse them one last time beforehand.

5) Stacking the trays
To promote elongation of the young shoots, stack the growing trays during the first 3 to 6 days of cultivation. It is during this stage that the seeds will germinate and the stems will gradually elongate.
Monitor their development once a day, and make sure they do not lack water. If they do, use the spray bottle to moisten them.

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Good to know

Placed in the dark, the young plants will elongate to search for light. The microgreens will then be longer and therefore easier to harvest later.

Stacking the trays also allows the seed to be in direct contact with the soil, thus promoting the anchoring of future roots.

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Note

The shoots are yellow for now, but they will turn green later when they are placed in the light

6) Growth of the young shoots
After spending two to three days in the dark, the microgreens can be moved into the light until they are ready to be consumed. The dome can be placed at this stage if the temperature is below 25°C.

Once the cotyledons have formed, remember to water them regularly from below, using the saucer.

7) Finally, harvest time!
After 7 to 9 days of cultivation depending on the species and weather conditions, the young shoots are ready to be harvested and consumed.

To do this, take a pair of scissors or a knife (preferably non-serrated) and cut the stems just above the potting soil.

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Guidance

Harvesting is done at the development stage between the emergence of the cotyledons and the appearance of the first true leaves.
Avoid including soil particles as much as possible when harvesting your young shoots.

8) Storage
After harvesting, rinse the microgreens, especially around the cut parts, then wipe off the excess water. You can keep them like this for 3 to 4 days in a container in the refrigerator or consume them directly.
If you want to preserve their freshness and nutritional quality, it is best to harvest them gradually as you consume them.

3. Specific growth characteristics

Under optimal growing conditions, here are the specific features of the proposed species:

Use the spray bottle during the stacking period, then water via the saucer when the microgreens are placed in the light.

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Warning: the potting soil must remain moist at all times to avoid dehydration of the microgreens!

4. A few ideas for enjoying your microgreens

Your microgreens can be enjoyed in salads and used to garnish your dishes (omelette, toast, gratin).
A few images to give you some ideas: