Environmental Nutrition

Microgreens are the seedlings, or baby plants, of vegetables and herbs.

The folklore

Microgreens may be true to their name in terms of their tiny size and verdant hue, but when it comes to reputation, "macrogreens" would be a much better fit! Since their 1980s debut in California restaurants, these wispy greens have culled a big following. Still trending on the dining scene, they're a go-to at farmers markets and are a favorite to grow in backyard gardens and on windowsills. And why not? These gems pack a powerful nutritional punch, come in a dizzying number of varieties, and add a burst of flavor and color to any dish.

The facts

Harvested between one and three inches tall (at about one to three weeks), microgreens are older than a sprout (sprouts don't have leaves, microgreens' leaves have just appeared) yet not quite a baby green. Varieties such as broccoli, radish, beet, spinach, cucumber and garlic, barely scratch the surface of the vast number available. Each differs in taste and nutrients, resembling those of the fully-grown counterpart. A one-cup serving of mixed microgreens packs 60% DV (DV=Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of eye-protecting vitamin A and 12% DV of antioxidant vitamin C.

The findings

Microgreens have a higher concentration -- from four to forty times as many by weight -- of many nutrients than their fully-grown counterparts (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012). A 2017 study on broccoli microgreens found this to be most pronounced when microgreens were grown in compost. The average concentration ratio of broccoli microgreens to mature broccoli was 1.73 in amounts of vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, calcium, niacin, and copper, and flavonoids. Microgreens also require less water, time, fertilizer, pesticides and energy-demanding transport from farm to table than the nutritionally equivalent amount of the grown vegetable (Frontiers in Nutrition).

The finer points

Increasingly available at specialty food markets, farmers markets and online, microgreens are easier than ever to enjoy at home. They can be bought already cut in single and mixed varieties or whole and cut at home. Microgreens are also a snap to grow from seed. Try many different varieties that range from strong and spicy, tangy, or bitter to mild and neutral in flavor. Use them in sandwiches, wraps and salads, as toppers on pizzas and frittatas, as a lovely garnish on avocado toast or on a favorite appetizer like bruschetta.

Dutch Red Potato and Green Bean Salad on Microgreens

Serves 6

Recipe adapted courtesy Melissa's Produce

1/2 pound green beans

1 pound ruby gold potatoes

1/4 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced

4 cup microgreens

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garlic herb sea salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tarragon, minced

1. Cook green beans in a pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a bowl of water with ice cubes to stop the cooking. When cool, drain and dry well.

2. Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water, and bring to a boil. Turn heat down, and gently simmer until they are just tender. Drain and cool. Cut into quarters.

3. Mix vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle the olive oil in while whisking.

4. Add the tarragon, potatoes, green beans and mushrooms; toss gently.

5. Make a mound of microgreens on individual plates, and spoon potato and green bean mixture on top.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: 247 calories, 18 grams (g) fat, 3 g saturated fat, 20 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 55 milligrams sodium, 2 g sugar

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)