Frequently Asked Questions: Microgreens FAQ

·         Do you need to wash microgreens?

Yes. It is important you rinse your microgreens. Although you can eat them out of their package, always rinse them off. Irrespective of where you buy your microgreens, rinsing your microgreens is advisable, even if the seller says they grow them in hydroponics or indoors.

Most growers do not wash their microgreens because once cut and stored while wet, they turn mush within a short time. There is no grower who wants you to eat mushy gross microgreens. Even so, microgreens encounter fungi, yeast, and bacteria in the air as they grow.

You need to take care and rinse your microgreens in the right manner. After that, allow them to dry well before you store them, as they get nasty.

·         How many times can you harvest microgreens?

In most cases, you harvest microgreens once they get four or more leaves. Use a pair of scissors to cut the shoots of your microgreens above the ground level. Most types of microgreens regrow after harvesting, and you can harvest them several times.

Your microgreens are ready to harvest within two to three weeks of planting, based on the kind of seeds you select. Try and server your microgreens immediately after harvesting, because they have the most flavor at that moment. Store your leftover in plastic bags in your refrigerator.

·         What is the difference between cress and watercress?

Watercress is simply a perennial European herb, known as nasturtium officinale, which grows in steams with freshwater. Often, it is use in salads like a garnish. On the other hand, Cress is a plant of different species, cruciferous. It has leaves with a moderate pungent taste, which people use like salad and antiscorbutic.

·         Why do seeds germinate faster in dark?

During germination, the presence of light makes carbonic acid gas to decompose, force out oxygen, and then fix the carbon. As a result, the seed hardens and blocks vegetation. For this reason, seeds germinate faster in dark because they use all the stored chemical energyin the growth. In short, there is no inhibition of germination by light. The dark phytochrome is high enough in darkness, and active to start germination. Light keeps phytochrome low, thus blocking germination.

·         How many cress seeds do you need?

An average packet of cress seeds contains 40g of seeds. The most common type of Cress seeds that is easier and faster to grow indoors is the 40g packet. Thus, the amount of cress seeds that you require is depends on your growing space.

·         How much chefs pays for microgreens?

In comparison to specialty food crops, the microgreens are easier to grow, and you can sell them within 10-20 days. Likewise, you can earngood income from microgreens than traditional farming. Although the microgreens have different prices based on many factors like seed cost, chefs are always willing to pay high prices for quality microgreens. On average, most chefs pay $20-$40 per pound. The price can go higher as the demand of microgreens from chefs grows daily.

·         Can you eat microgreens raw?

Yes. In fact, eating microgreens when raw is the best, because cooking them makes them lose their important enzymes, water-soluble vitamins, and vitality. Most people eat them raw, when freshly picked from the soil. All they do is rinse them lightly. When eaten raw, the microgreen keep most of their nutrients.

Even so, you should not eat all varieties of microgreens when raw. Some are sweet and nutritious when cooked. For example, radishes are good when seasoning salad and soup, as they have strong peppery flavor. On the contrary, fava bean microgreens have a nuttier and milder taste.

·         How do you store microgreens?

You need proper storage of microgreens to avoid them from spoiling. Indeed, you need to keep them moist, and with enough air circulation. However, this type of storage might be tough to maintain in a refrigerator. Among the best way to storage microgreens is wrapping them loose in a damp paper towel. Avoid using sealed plastic bag, because air circulation is vital.

In addition, excess air circulation can make them dry out faster. To freshen them up, soak your dry microgreens in ice water.

·         How long do microgreens stay fresh?

Different microgreens varieties have different shelf life. However, most varieties stay fresh for at least 5-8days, if you refrigerate them at the appropriate temperature. To ensure your microgreens stay fresh for long,store them in the right conditions, and spread them out. The maximum duration for microgreens to stay fresh is two weeks, although this needs a lot of care.

·         Can you freeze microgreens?

Similar to other foods, you can freeze your microgreens. Nevertheless, most people avoid freezing microgreens when storing them. Freezing them reduces their nutrient content, color, texture, and vitality. Therefore, you should avoid freezing your microgreens if you do not have urgent reason for freezing them. You can store microgreens for a maximum of 7 days in normal refrigeration conditions.

·         How do you store pea shoots?

To store your pea shoots, you can either wrap them using paper towel or putting them in a brown paper bag. After that, place the paper towel or paper bag in the crisp drawer of your refrigerator. Their storage lasts for a maximum of two to three days.

·         Can you juice microgreens?

Often, people use microgreens like drink garnish for an additional zesty taste. Most people do not juice microgreens, irrespective of them having high nutrients. Similar to most juicing vegetables, the taste of most microgreens is mild and grassier. For example, barley and wheatgrass are the most common juicing microgreens.

·         Can you dehydrate microgreens?

Yes, you can dehydrate microgreens. In fact, dehydration is ideal for soup seasoning, snacking, storage, and grinding for flour. In addition, there are some best methods of dehydrating microgreens.  Among the most popular and easiest method is the use of a dehydrator. Dehydration of microgreens is similar to that of other vegetables.

·         Why are microgreens expensive?

The average price of microgreens is $20-40 per pound. Remember, microgreens are organic vegetables that most people are willing to pay the price. Furthermore, microgreens have many health benefits, and high-end restaurants add them in their menu

Those were most asked questions about microgreens