One of the things I'll be offering my annual CSA members this year during the dark days of winter is microgreens. Not only are the microgreens fun and easy to grow, but they're also loaded with nutrition without having any of the potential contamination issues that sprouts have. Needless to say, while I'll be sprouting for my own family, it's not a risk I'm willing to take for the CSA, and microgreens are the perfect answer! Because they're grown beyond the sprouting stage in the light and air, microgreens avoid any potential pathogen issues. Microgreens are the stage of growth between sprouts and baby greens, and as such, they retain loads of the nutritional value of sprouts. They take between 5 and 14 days to grow, and are harvested by cutting just above the root. They can be tossed in salads, on top of pizza, potatoes, or even pizza, and add a delicious zing to sandwiches.Day 3:
Day 5:
6 comments:
very cool. that is an approach to providing food that i'd like to attempt. it'll probably be a while yet though. right now just getting the normal stuff done is too much.
I like this idea. I'm going to research it more and get some going. What are you using to make them?
Karl, I'm not sure how cost-effective microgreens are. It takes a lot of seed that would surely feed more mouths as mature plants. But, it packs a nutritious punch, and it gives me something to offer my CSA members when not much else is growing.
Christy, a good link to get you started is Sproutpeople out in California. Not necessarily the best prices, but a whole lot of info. Johnny's has seed mixes along with the added benefit of being closer to us regionally.
What are you growing them on? The webpage you linked to talked about using foam or something to grow them on. I assume you don't use dirt?
Christy, I purchased their baby blanket medium by the linear foot. It's an organic, biodegradable one-time use fabric made of—my best guess—coconut husk. My plan is to put it right in the compost pile when I'm done.
Cool thanks!
Post a Comment