Size isn’t everything. Nadine Fresko, founder of Little Leaf, spills the beans on these small but mighty vegetables.
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are basically just very young vegetables, usually harvested around one or two weeks old, when the first pair of leaves has developed and had a chance to photosynthesise.
Why are they worth eating?
The first pair of leaves that a seedling develops (called cotyledons) are the most nutrient-dense leaves on the entire plant, as they absorb all the nutrients from the seed and also benefit from photosynthesis. The nutrients we’re talking about differ from one microgreen variety to another, but include a range of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help our bodies function healthily in countless ways. As the plant grows taller, nutrients get diluted with cellulose and water, so it’s best to catch them at this early stage. In fact, studies have shown that microgreens are up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than the same vegetable at maturity.
Are some microgreens more nutritious than others?
Yes. Each microgreen variety has its own benefits, but the best-known from a nutrition perspective is broccoli, which also happens to be one of the easiest microgreens to grow. Micro broccoli is an excellent source of sulforaphane. This has been linked to countless health benefits that seem too good to be true, but have been demonstrated in scientific studies. Some of those benefits include improved heart health, skin health and even anticancer activity.
GIVE IT A GO
Get 15% off Little Leaf microgreen growing kits when you use the code LEW15OFF at littleleaf.uk Offer valid until 31 December 2023.
