microgreens are a versatile and nutritious superfood that can be easily grown at home year-round. there are many reasons why grow microgreens, including their health benefits and ease of cultivation. growing microgreens is a simple way to promote healthy eating and living.
written by mariana, founder of ingarden - 19th of February, 2023
1) microgreens are the most nutritionally-dense form of vegetable
growing microgreens at home is a great way to enjoy the most nutrient-dense form of vegetables. studies have shown that microgreens contain up to 40 times the nutrients of mature vegetables, including vitamins C, E, and K, lutein, and beta-carotene. while mature vegetables are known for their high fiber content, adding microgreens to your diet can help fill in any nutritional gaps. so why not start growing microgreens at home today?
2) microgreens have an intense and unique flavor
one of the many reasons why grow microgreens at home is because they're not only incredibly healthy but also delicious. microgreens are known for their intense flavors, complex taste profiles, and textures that can elevate any meal. it's no wonder that you or your kids will be eager to try them! with their unique and bold flavors, microgreens can add a burst of freshness and vitality to your dishes. so why not start growing microgreens at home today and experience the amazing flavors for yourself?
3) microgreens are plentiful and convenient
most microgreens only take about a week (10 days at most) to grow at home, which makes it easy for you to frequently have them on hand. and when grown indoors, they are productive year-round if well cared for.
growing microgreens at home normally need both soil and sunlight to sprout, but with ingarden’s self-watering hydroponic growing system, all you have to do is place your seed pads and add water. it’s that easy to have freshness right at your fingertips!
4) with ingarden, growing microgreens at home is hassle-free without compromising style
at ingarden, quality meets style. Its self-regulating light + water and humidity control ensure optimal microgreen growth at home. and its ceramic base comes in 5 different colors, making it an elegant addition to your kitchen countertop.
5) microgreens are versatile
with ingarden you can grow a wide variety of microgreens at home including broccoli, kale, radishes, and rare varieties like pak choi, mustard, and red cabbage.
growing microgreens at home not only add essential nutrients and color to your dishes, but are also great in juices, smoothies, salads, or sandwiches. let your creativity run wild in the kitchen! check our recipes here.
are you interested in scientic studies on why growing microgreens at home?
from the moment I discovered the remarkable health benefits of microgreens in scientific research, I was utterly fascinated. the abundance of nutrients and life-giving properties packed into these tiny plants left me amazed. that's why my passion for growing microgreens at home was born. our ingardens enable people to tap into the power of these remarkable little plants, experiencing the joy and satisfaction of growing their own fresh and nutritious food.
why grow microgreens at home?
nutrients
intense, unique flavor
plentiful and convenient
no soil, no mess but style
at least with our ingarden ;-)
versatile
get your personal microgreens recommendations
discover why grow microgreens at home by taking the test and exploring which microgreens fit your health and wellness goals.
frequently asked questions about why grow microgreens at home
most microgreens have higher levels of vitamin c, beta-carotene, iron and potassium than their adult counterparts. in addition, microgreens contain secondary plant compounds, antioxidants and enzymes.
these nutrients make microgreens a perfect food supplement for athletes, people with weakened immune systems or vegetarians and vegans.
many people think microgreens and sprouts are the same thing, but they are not. of course they both have something in common, but there are also many differences.
sprouts are seedlings from seeds that have not yet developed roots and have not yet completed photosynthesis. sprouts, on the other hand, are plants that have already developed roots and are therefore larger than shoots.
microgreens are small-leafed plantlets that are usually used as toppings for soups, salads or other dishes. they have a very intense flavor and often also a special color. while sprouts are often eaten at a very early germination time, microgreens have more time to grow and more time to develop nutrients and flavor. for this to succeed, microgreens need either soil or a corresponding mat of flow from which the nutrients can be drawn, as well as water and sunlight, of course. microgreens are then harvested a little later after about 5-7 days and eaten without the root. the flavor of microgreens is much more intense than sprouts and the nutrient content is many times higher.
depending on the type of microgreens, the optimal temperature for growth is between 15 and 22 °C (60 - 75 °F). microgreens love an even temperature, that's when they develop fastest. at higher temperatures, bacteria and fungus can flourish while your seedlings dry out faster. at lower temperatures, the plants can absorb less water and develop more slowly, and you could have problems with mold.
ingarden microgreens are organic and free from pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs. all of our professional-grade microgreens are sourced strictly from quality-trusted sources and have a guaranteed 95% sprouting rate.
our seeds come from the region of emilia romagna in italy as well as the netherlands. ingarden seeds are strictly from trusted and certified organic growers, meaning our seeds are confirmed organic by accredited authorities who check that no artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides are used.
every batch of seeds is tested by laboratories for their microbiological safety according to HACCP standards. all seed batches are tested for germination rates guaranteed at 90%, as well as for their look and integrity. the seeds are only handled by certified organic manufacturers who avoid cross contamination and maintain the highest standards of hygiene.
microgreens are young, tender plants grown from seeds and typically harvested within 1-2 weeks. although they are small, they are packed with nutrients and have an intense aroma and flavor.
it is possible to incorporate microgreens into a balanced diet, but it is unlikely that they can replace an adequate amount of vegetables.
vegetables provide many nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are important for health. while microgreens contain some of these nutrients in higher concentrations than mature plants, they typically lack fiber and a broader nutrient profile.
if you want to replace vegetables with microgreens, you should make sure to use a variety of types to ensure that you get a broader nutrient profile. it is also important to incorporate other sources of fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits, into your diet.
overall, microgreens can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, but they should not be used as a substitute for vegetables.
