We all know that we should be conscious of keeping a well-balanced diet. The food we put into our body fuels us, keeps our immune systems strong, and supplies all of the essential nutrition that we need to lead active and healthy lives. Have you ever considered how mighty micro‑greens might be a tasty addition to bring vitality to your diet?
Micro‑greens made their debut as part of a health food trend in San Francisco in the 1980s and since then have gradually appeared on restaurant and bistro menus across the UK. Popularised by chef-based culinary TV shows, there has been a recent revival in interest in small super‑greens. We are now seeing micro‑greens being served in everyday dishes such as salads, soups and sandwiches. Health-conscious individuals also use micro‑greens in shakes and smoothies. But what is all the fuss about and what actually are micro‑greens?
Micro‑greens is the term given to vegetables and herbs that are in the cotyledon stage of growth which falls between the sprouting and baby leaf stages. The window of opportunity to harvest micro‑greens is usually 10-16 days from germination. Micro‑greens have intense, aromatic flavours and come in many different colours and textures. [1, 2]
Despite their small size, micro‑greens pack a nutritional punch, often containing higher vitamin, mineral and antioxidant levels per serving than their more mature version. They not only look and taste great – making your dishes more exciting to eat – but several peer-reviewed scientific studies indicate an actual nutritional benefit of these plants.
Research comparing micro‑greens to their more mature counterparts reports that nutrient levels in micro‑greens can be up to nine times higher than those found in mature greens.
While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu). In addition, micro‑greens are also a great source of beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants.[3, 4] Research also shows that they contain a wider variety of polyphenols and other antioxidants than their mature counterparts.
Urban-Vertical CIC only uses organic seeds and peat-free, organic composts to grow their range of micro‑greens. We do not use pesticides or fertilisers on our crops so you can be reassured that the produce you will receive will be the purest, healthiest and the best quality micro‑greens available.
"I am a Nutritional Therapist who is passionate about eating nutrient rich foods for their health benefits. Micro‑greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which are disease fighting compounds.
The little, elegant leaves of micro‑greens are a highly nutritious plant food, rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron. They are also rich in polyphenols, antioxidant rich chemicals which fight disease and promote good gut bacteria, which is essential for good health.
Delivering concentrated nutrients, micro‑greens support good health and I highly recommend including micro‑greens in your diet for their beneficial vitamin and mineral content."
Rachel David (FNTP)
Nutritional Therapist
Certificate in Nutrition
SNHS Dip (Advanced Nutrition)
Research Links
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362588/
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915300/
3.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157516300448
4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157514001513
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