Frequently Asked Questions
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LEARN MORE ABOUT MICROGREENS AND Ute Pass Gardens
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are vegetable greens (not to be confused with sprouts or shoots) harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed with one set of true leaves. They are used as a visual, flavor and texture enhancement. Microgreens are used to add sweetness and spiciness to foods. Microgreens are smaller than “baby greens” because they are harvested soon after sprouting, rather than after the plant has matured to produce multiple leaves.
They provide garnishing for salads, soups, sandwiches, and plates. Some recipes use them as a garnish while others use them as a main ingredient.
Edible young greens are produced from various kinds of vegetables, herbs, or other plants. They range in size from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm), including the stem and leaves. The stem is cut just above the soil line during harvesting. Microgreens have fully developed cotyledon leaves and usually, one pair of small, partially developed true leaves.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
They provide garnishing for salads, soups, sandwiches, and plates. Some recipes use them as a garnish while others use them as a main ingredient.
Edible young greens are produced from various kinds of vegetables, herbs, or other plants. They range in size from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm), including the stem and leaves. The stem is cut just above the soil line during harvesting. Microgreens have fully developed cotyledon leaves and usually, one pair of small, partially developed true leaves.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
How did microgreens start?
Microgreens began showing up on chefs' menus as early as the 1980s in San Francisco. In Southern California, microgreens have been grown since the mid 90s. Initially, a few varieties were offered; those available were: arugula, basil, beets, kale, cilantro, and a colorful mixture of those called a "Rainbow Mix". Having spread eastward from California, they are now being grown in most areas of the United States, with an increasing number of varieties. Today, the U.S. industry for microgreens consists of a variety of seed companies and growers.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
What is their form?
Microgreens have three basic parts: a central stem, cotyledon leaf or leaves, and typically, the first pair of very young true leaves. They vary in size depending upon the specific variety grown, with the typical size being 1 to 1.5 in (25 to 38 mm) in total length. When the plant grows beyond this size, it is generally no longer considered a microgreen, instead being called a petite green. The average crop-time for fast-growing microgreens, such as many brassicas, is 10–14 days from seeding to harvest.Slower growing microgreens, such as beets, chard, and many herbs, may take 16–25 days to reach harvestable size. Both baby greens and microgreens lack any legal definition. The terms "baby greens" and "microgreens" are marketing terms used to describe their respective categories.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
How are microgreens grown?
A shallow plastic container with drainage holes, such as a nursery flat or prepackaged-salad box, will facilitate sprouting and grow out on a small scale. However, for commercial scale growing, specific trays better suited to growing and supporting microgreens are used. Growing and marketing high-quality microgreens commercially is more intensive, but also shows potential for providing better quality produce under controlled and sterile environments and could provide local communities with better nutritional diversity at scale. Artificial lighting is not necessarily needed for growing microgreens but is required for indoor commercial setups. Microgreens can grow under various lighting conditions, including indirect natural light and grow lights, but some source of light is necessary for them to have grown adequately enough for harvest. Different lighting conditions can change the flavors of the microgreens being grown. For instance, corn microgreens are sweet when grown in the dark, but become bitter when exposed to light due to photosynthesis processes taking place in the sprouting plants .
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
What are the nutritional values of microgreens?
Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service have published, as of early 2014, several studies that identify the nutritional make-up and the shelf life of microgreens. Twenty-five varieties were tested, with the key nutrients measured being ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), phylloquinone (vitamin K), and beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), plus other related carotenoids in the cotyledons. Among the 25 microgreens tested, red cabbage, cilantro, garnet amaranth, and green daikon radish had the highest concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K, and vitamin E, respectively. In general, microgreens contained considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids—about five times greater—than their mature plant counterparts.[1]
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
What is the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Sprouts are germinated or partially germinated seeds. A sprout consists of the seed, root, stem, while microgreens are harvested without the roots. Microgreens have stronger flavors compared to sprouts, and come in a wider selection of leaf shapes, textures, and colors.
Microgreens are grown in soil or soil-like materials such as peat moss. Microgreens require high light levels, preferably natural sunlight with low humidity and good air circulation. Microgreens are planted with very low seed density compared to sprout processing. Crop times are generally one to two weeks for most varieties, although some can take four to six weeks. Microgreens are ready to harvest when the cotyledons are fully expanded. Harvesting is usually with scissors cutting just above the soil surface, excluding any roots. Some growers sell them while still growing, rooted in the growing trays so that they may be cut later. Once removed from their growing environment, these trays of microgreens must be used quickly, or they will rapidly begin to elongate and lose color and flavor.
Sprout seeds are soaked in water, usually for eight hours, and then drained. A high density of seed is placed inside of sprouting equipment or enclosed containers. The seed germinates rapidly due to the high moisture and humidity levels maintained in the enclosures. Seeds can also be sprouted in cloth bags that are repeatedly soaked in water. The sprouting process occurs in dark or very low light conditions. After a few days of soaking and repeated rinsing in water (several times a day to minimize spoilage), the processing is complete, and the sprouts are ready to consume.
The conditions that are ideal for properly grown microgreens do not encourage the growth of dangerous pathogens. These growing methods would not work for the production of sprouts.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
Microgreens are grown in soil or soil-like materials such as peat moss. Microgreens require high light levels, preferably natural sunlight with low humidity and good air circulation. Microgreens are planted with very low seed density compared to sprout processing. Crop times are generally one to two weeks for most varieties, although some can take four to six weeks. Microgreens are ready to harvest when the cotyledons are fully expanded. Harvesting is usually with scissors cutting just above the soil surface, excluding any roots. Some growers sell them while still growing, rooted in the growing trays so that they may be cut later. Once removed from their growing environment, these trays of microgreens must be used quickly, or they will rapidly begin to elongate and lose color and flavor.
Sprout seeds are soaked in water, usually for eight hours, and then drained. A high density of seed is placed inside of sprouting equipment or enclosed containers. The seed germinates rapidly due to the high moisture and humidity levels maintained in the enclosures. Seeds can also be sprouted in cloth bags that are repeatedly soaked in water. The sprouting process occurs in dark or very low light conditions. After a few days of soaking and repeated rinsing in water (several times a day to minimize spoilage), the processing is complete, and the sprouts are ready to consume.
The conditions that are ideal for properly grown microgreens do not encourage the growth of dangerous pathogens. These growing methods would not work for the production of sprouts.
Source: https://www.establishgrowers.com/
What are some of the benefits of microgreens?
Here are some of the benefits:https://www.establishgrowers.com/post/microgreens-benefits
Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Brassica Microgreens such as Arugula, Kale, Broccoli, Radish, Kohlrabi, Watercress, Red Cabbage, and Cauliflower all contain Sulforaphane, which was found in one study to stop the tumor growths of breast cancer. The consumption of Brassica microgreens has also been associated with a reduced risk of the development of colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388854/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278869/
Helps Support Cardiovascular Health
One of the major causes of cardiac diseases is oxidative stress. Studies suggest that sulforaphane contains anti-inflammatory properties that activate a protein known as Nrf2 which serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26583056/
Has Anti-Diabetic Properties
Sulforaphane was also found in one study to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sulforaphane was identified to suppress glucose production from hepatic cells and may reverse the disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615356/
Helps With Anti-Aging Properties
Sulforaphane also activates heat-shock proteins in the body, which help slow aging and improve brain function. Studies from the National Academy for the Sciences show Sulforaphane protects your cells from cellular damage which is most commonly found in UV light.
Helps Boost Brain FunctionSulforaphane is also really good for your brain and is considered a brain-boosting substance. Studies show that this compound reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28965607/
Helps Strengthen The Immune System
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for a strong immune system, and 100 grams of microgreens provide more than half of your daily vitamin C needs. Research has shown that not getting enough vitamin C can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Helps Protect Your Eyes
Microgreens such as mustard, kale, arugula, basil, beetroot, and pea shoots all contain significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin which have been known to protect your eyes from macular degeneration and light damage.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6154331/
Helps In The Onset Of Alzheimer's
Your brain needs oxygen to function properly and the iron present in most microgreens helps deliver oxygen to the brain. By eating iron-rich diets you will lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's and dementia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672917/
Helps Protect Your Bones
Vitamin K is essential for bone health, and microgreens contain a lot of it. A lack of vitamin K has been associated with an increased risk of fractures and reduced bone strength.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5726210/
Helps In The Aid in Weight Loss
Microgreens contain two of the most important nutrients when it comes to losing weight, protein, and fiber. Microgreens are mostly made up of water and have very few calories, which also helps when losing weight.
Helps Prevent Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Which can make you feel tired and weak without you even knowing what caused it. Microgreens contain significant amounts of iron, which helps carry oxygen to your body tissues and prevents anemia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30053508/
Helps To Fight Off Diseases
Microgreens are rich in many disease-fighting antioxidants that play a vital role in protecting your cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Research has shown that free radicals can cause heart disease, Alzheimer's, and even cancer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151555/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
Helps Improve Digestion
Microgreens contain vitamin C and B which are crucial for promoting the absorption of iron, which helps turn food into energy. These prebiotic fibers promote the growth of gut microbes which help digest food.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390821/
Helps Protect You Against Diabetes
Microgreens have an incredibly important mineral that most people don't get enough of, magnesium. Which helps protect the body against type 2 diabetes.
https://academic.oup.com/ckj/article/5/Suppl_1/i25/448417
Helps To Cleanse Your Blood
Research has determined that microgreens possess the capability to improve liver function and more effectively clean the blood. Hence placing less stress on your circulatory and immune systems.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
The antioxidants found in microgreens were also found to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Reducing inflammation in people with various diseases such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.
Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Brassica Microgreens such as Arugula, Kale, Broccoli, Radish, Kohlrabi, Watercress, Red Cabbage, and Cauliflower all contain Sulforaphane, which was found in one study to stop the tumor growths of breast cancer. The consumption of Brassica microgreens has also been associated with a reduced risk of the development of colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388854/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278869/
Helps Support Cardiovascular Health
One of the major causes of cardiac diseases is oxidative stress. Studies suggest that sulforaphane contains anti-inflammatory properties that activate a protein known as Nrf2 which serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26583056/
Has Anti-Diabetic Properties
Sulforaphane was also found in one study to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sulforaphane was identified to suppress glucose production from hepatic cells and may reverse the disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615356/
Helps With Anti-Aging Properties
Sulforaphane also activates heat-shock proteins in the body, which help slow aging and improve brain function. Studies from the National Academy for the Sciences show Sulforaphane protects your cells from cellular damage which is most commonly found in UV light.
Helps Boost Brain FunctionSulforaphane is also really good for your brain and is considered a brain-boosting substance. Studies show that this compound reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28965607/
Helps Strengthen The Immune System
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for a strong immune system, and 100 grams of microgreens provide more than half of your daily vitamin C needs. Research has shown that not getting enough vitamin C can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Helps Protect Your Eyes
Microgreens such as mustard, kale, arugula, basil, beetroot, and pea shoots all contain significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin which have been known to protect your eyes from macular degeneration and light damage.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6154331/
Helps In The Onset Of Alzheimer's
Your brain needs oxygen to function properly and the iron present in most microgreens helps deliver oxygen to the brain. By eating iron-rich diets you will lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's and dementia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672917/
Helps Protect Your Bones
Vitamin K is essential for bone health, and microgreens contain a lot of it. A lack of vitamin K has been associated with an increased risk of fractures and reduced bone strength.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5726210/
Helps In The Aid in Weight Loss
Microgreens contain two of the most important nutrients when it comes to losing weight, protein, and fiber. Microgreens are mostly made up of water and have very few calories, which also helps when losing weight.
Helps Prevent Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Which can make you feel tired and weak without you even knowing what caused it. Microgreens contain significant amounts of iron, which helps carry oxygen to your body tissues and prevents anemia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30053508/
Helps To Fight Off Diseases
Microgreens are rich in many disease-fighting antioxidants that play a vital role in protecting your cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Research has shown that free radicals can cause heart disease, Alzheimer's, and even cancer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151555/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
Helps Improve Digestion
Microgreens contain vitamin C and B which are crucial for promoting the absorption of iron, which helps turn food into energy. These prebiotic fibers promote the growth of gut microbes which help digest food.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390821/
Helps Protect You Against Diabetes
Microgreens have an incredibly important mineral that most people don't get enough of, magnesium. Which helps protect the body against type 2 diabetes.
https://academic.oup.com/ckj/article/5/Suppl_1/i25/448417
Helps To Cleanse Your Blood
Research has determined that microgreens possess the capability to improve liver function and more effectively clean the blood. Hence placing less stress on your circulatory and immune systems.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
The antioxidants found in microgreens were also found to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Reducing inflammation in people with various diseases such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.
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Our plants are harvested the same day as scheduled delivery
for the freshest possible farm to table microgreens.
for the freshest possible farm to table microgreens.