You may think of microgreens as the sprout-type plants that Instagram food bloggers add to their salads “for the ‘gram”, but they’re much more than aesthetics. Read on to find out why farmers markets, food bloggers, and famous chefs are fawning over these nutritional powerhouses.

Microgreens

What are they?

Microgreens are essentially small edible plants (lettuce, kale, arugula, daikon, radish, etc.) that have been harvested before reaching full maturity. Some are less than 14 days old!

Why are they good for us?

These little guys are jam-packed with nutrients – they’re even rumoured to pack more nutrients than their adult counterparts! A researcher with the US Department of Agriculture found that “almost all of the microgreens [in the study] had 4-6 times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant” (NPR). While the specific nutrients vary between each plant, some health benefits include boosts of vitamin E, C, and zinc, for example.

How do you eat them?

Not only are microgreens nutritional powerhouses, but they add a fresh flavour punch too! Some ways to incorporate them into your diet include:

• Salads: Sprinkle them into your salad for added crunch and flavour.
• Sandwiches: Less overpowering than lettuce, these little guys fit into sandwiches perfectly.
• Pizza: These crisp up nicely, and add extra nutrients to your cheesy goodness.
• Soups: Visually and nutritionally, these take your soup to the next level.
• Avocado toast: Need we say more?

So, are they worth it?

Ultimately that’s up to you, but if you like extra health benefits, added flavour, and aesthetically pleasing meals, then we think you know the answer.

Where to find them:

At Spud, we sell a variety of microgreens. With a mix of spicy (great on pizza), radish, and arugula, you’re sure to find some that work for you.