Live & Grow Issue 50

Microgreens
Often called ‘vegetable confetti’– microgreens
are a healthy, colourful and delicious alternative
to sprouts. Halfway in size between sprouts and
baby greens, they are usually harvested within
two weeks of sowing. They are commonly
grown in seedling or hydroponic trays and
differ from sprouts because they are harvested
above the seed with a pair of scissors when
there are two or more true leaves.
Microgreens add texture and colour to a dish
as a garnish, and vibrant colour when used
in a salad. Some exciting varieties include
amaranth, basil, chervil, coriander, garland
chrysanthemum and rocket. We also love the
seed packet range of microgreens from Mr
Fothergill’s, with exotic flavours from around the
world.
Grow microgreens in a seedling tray filled with
a thin layer of potting mix or hydroponically in a
specially designed microgreen growing tray.
Top
Tips
for Growing Microgreens
• Remember to keep the
seeds moist – if you use a
microgreen growing tray,
spray seeds with a fine mist of
water until the roots develop
in a few days. You can cover
your tray between waterings
to reduce evaporation.
• Feed the plants with a halfstrength
liquid fertiliser to
encourage rapid growth.
• Harvest just before serving
for maximum freshness
and flavour.
12
Nature’s Superfoods
Sprouts and microgreens are an easy way to add texture
and freshness to any dish. They are easy to grow, you
can harvest them year-round from the comfort of your
kitchen, and they are healthy and delicious.