Microgreens are young sprouted vegetable greens approximately 1-3 inches tall, with aromatic flavor, and a dense nutrient content. In fact, when compared to the same mature greens, the nutrient content of microgreens is higher.

​

Research comparing microgreens to mature greens has found that 9 times more nutrients exist in microgreens. They are packed with plant compounds, antioxidants, and nutrients like potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper. Since the consumption of vegetables is linked to the lowered risk of disease (heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancers…) microgreens, with their higher nutrient content, are a valued addition to ones diet.

​

Microgreens are young/baby plants lying somewhere between sprouts and baby greens. Sprouts are harvested sooner (2-7 days) than microgreens (10-20 days). Microgreens are harvested after their first true leaves have appeared. 

Microgreens can be incorporated into many types of dishes. Some ways to use them include:

​

• Filler in wraps & sandwiches 

• Mixed into salads

• Blended into smoothies or juiced (wheatgrass is a popular Microgreen juice)

• Garnishes on main dishes (soup, curry, pizza…)

• With all egg dishes

 

At Wild Candy Farm in Central Texas, we grow microgreens in our nursery/greenhouse on a weekly basis. Currently we grow radish, broccoli, pea, and sunflower. We sell locally to businesses in Wimberley and Austin as well as at farmers markets.

​

The Science Behind Microgreens

​

Microgreens may be small, but they pack an impressive nutritional punch. These young vegetable greens are harvested shortly after germination, when they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds.

​

One of the most influential studies on microgreens, conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland in collaboration with the USDA and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2012), analyzed 25 different varieties of microgreens. The researchers found that many microgreens contained higher concentrations of vitamins and carotenoids than their mature vegetable counterparts when compared on a fresh-weight basis.

​

Since then, numerous scientific reviews have confirmed that microgreens are excellent sources of antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to a healthy diet.

​

Emerging human clinical research has also shown that incorporating microgreens into the diet is practical and may provide additional health benefits, though scientists continue to study their long-term effects.

​

At Wild Candy Farm, we grow our microgreens organically and harvest them fresh to help preserve their exceptional flavor, texture, and nutritional quality.

​

Learn More

​

USDA Research: Microgreens Pack a Nutritional Punch

​

Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Maryland analyzed 25 varieties of microgreens and found that, on average, they contained about five times higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids than their mature plant counterparts. While nutrient levels vary by crop, microgreens are widely recognized as nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds.

 

Learn More:
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2014/specialty-greens-pack-a-nutritional-punch

​

USDA Agricultural Research Magazine

​

The USDA Agricultural Research Service further explains that their analysis of 25 different microgreens found they contained considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids—about five times greater—than their mature plant counterparts. The article also highlights that different varieties offer unique nutritional benefits, making a diverse mix of microgreens an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

​

Learn More:
https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2014/jan/greens

​

Broccoli Microgreens: A Natural Source of Sulforaphane

​

Broccoli microgreens are naturally rich in glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane, one of the most extensively researched compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. Scientific studies have shown that broccoli microgreens contain high levels of glucosinolates and are a significant dietary source of sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has been widely studied for its antioxidant activity and its potential role in supporting the body's natural cellular defense mechanisms, including research into cancer prevention. While research is ongoing, broccoli microgreens are considered one of the richest natural food sources of sulforaphane available.

​

Learn More:
Human Study: Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37893677/

​

Additional USDA Research on Broccoli Microgreens and Glucosinolates:
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=357813

​

The information above is provided for educational purposes only. Microgreens are a nutritious food and should not be considered a treatment, cure, or prevention for any disease.