Sprouts and Microgreens

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

My gardening motto for this year is "Try something new." This has been great for me in the respects of thinking outside the box while I'm starting in the garden, But in in the respect that when I see a new seed I buy a new seed. I saw some seeds at the Dollar tree and the seeds happen to be 2 varieties of Micro greens. A mild and a Zesty blend.

If I'm being honest I had never really thought about Microgreens before so I decided to try buy. This actually got me thinking about sprouts and I started to wonder what's the difference between the two. While micro greens and sprouts share some similarities, there are also some notable distinctions between them.

Sprouts are young plants that are cultivated in water and harvested as soon as they begin to sprout. Typically consumed raw, sprouts can be added to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. They boast a bounty of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories.

Microgreens, on the other hand, are slightly more developed than sprouts. Grown in soil, they are harvested when their first true leaves appear. Microgreens are also consumed raw and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. They make a great garnish but can also be added to salads or sandwiches for an added burst of flavor. Like sprouts, microgreens are teeming with vitamins and minerals.

                                                                                    Photo by Dmitriy Zub

A significant distinction between sprouts and microgreens is their taste. Sprouts possess a gentler flavor, while microgreens have a stronger taste. This makes microgreens an excellent option for people who enjoy pungent flavors and want to introduce some variety to their meals.

Another dissimilarity between the two is their cultivation time. Sprouts can be ready to consume in just a few days, while microgreens can take up to two weeks to grow. This implies that sprouts are an ideal pick for those who want to savor fresh produce quickly, while microgreens are more suitable for those who are willing to be patient for a more mature plant.

Overall, both sprouts and microgreens are excellent selections for those seeking to incorporate fresh, healthy produce into their diet. Although they share some resemblances, they also have some crucial differences in terms of taste and growing time. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and dietary requirements.