Introduction
Microgreens, sprouts, and baby greens are all young, tender plants that are often confused for one another. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between these three types of greens. In this article, we’ll explore what sets microgreens, sprouts, and baby greens apart, so you can make informed decisions about which ones to grow, buy, and eat.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young, tender greens that are harvested just 1-3 weeks after germination, when they have developed their first set of true leaves. They are grown in soil or another growing medium, and are typically 1-3 inches tall at harvest. Some popular types of microgreens include broccoli, radish, kale, and sunflower.
Microgreens are known for their concentrated flavor and nutrition, often containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. They are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and can be used as a garnish, salad green, or addition to sandwiches, smoothies, and more.
What are Sprouts?
Sprouts are germinated seeds that are harvested just a few days after they begin to grow, typically within 4-6 days of soaking. Unlike microgreens, sprouts are grown in water rather than soil, and are harvested before they develop true leaves. Some common types of sprouts include alfalfa, mung bean, and broccoli.
Sprouts are known for their crisp texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor. They are often used in sandwiches, salads, and stir-fries, and are also popular as a garnish. While sprouts are nutritious, they have a higher risk of bacterial contamination than microgreens due to their growing conditions, so it’s important to purchase them from a reputable source and store and handle them properly.
What are Baby Greens?
Baby greens are young, tender versions of mature greens that are harvested earlier than their full-grown counterparts, typically around 15-35 days after germination. They are grown in soil, like microgreens, but are allowed to grow larger and develop more leaves before harvesting. Some common types of baby greens include spinach, arugula, and lettuce.
Baby greens are known for their delicate texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, and are popular in baby leaf mixes. While baby greens are nutritious, they typically have lower concentrations of nutrients than microgreens due to their longer growing time.
Key Differences Between Microgreens, Sprouts, and Baby Greens
Now that we’ve defined each type of green, let’s summarize the key differences between them:
- Growing medium: Microgreens and baby greens are grown in soil or another growing medium, while sprouts are grown in water.
- Harvest time: Sprouts are harvested the earliest (4-6 days), followed by microgreens (1-3 weeks), and then baby greens (15-35 days).
- Size at harvest: Sprouts are the smallest (1-2 inches), followed by microgreens (1-3 inches), and then baby greens (3-5 inches).
- Nutrition: Microgreens typically have the highest concentrations of nutrients, followed by sprouts and then baby greens.
- Flavor: Microgreens have the most intense flavor, followed by baby greens and then sprouts.
- Contamination risk: Sprouts have the highest risk of bacterial contamination, followed by microgreens and then baby greens.
Conclusion
While microgreens, sprouts, and baby greens are all young, tender plants, they have some key differences in terms of how they are grown, harvested, and used in the kitchen. By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions about which ones to incorporate into your diet and culinary creations. And if you’re interested in growing your own microgreens at home, be sure to check out our selection of 1020 microgreen trays and other growing supplies. Your taste buds (and your health) will thank you!