Microgreens

BIG NUTRIENTS in small packages

Created by Yogesh Kumar / @yoku_2010

Let's Start

1. Introduction
2. Health Benefits of Microgreens
3. Seeds
4. How to Grow Microgreens
5. Common Microgreens Problems
6. Microgreens in Kitchen
7. Wrap Up

Section - I

Introduction

What is Microgreens?

A microgreen is that stage of a plant's growth when its first leaves appear.

Microgreens can be harvested when the germinated seeds have developed tiny roots and at least their first true leaves. Microgreens can provide a variety of leaf flavours, such as sweet and spicy. Microgreens are nutrient and flavour packed mini versions of full grown vegetables. They have similar health benefits to sprouts, but greater nutritional value.

Why it is called Super Food?

According to research, during the germination stage the cell division is much greater, thus increasing the amount of nutrients in one leaf. It's almost as if the microgreens are a concentrated version of their adult selves.

Another idea is that during the germination stage nutrients are just beginning to be activated and released. Through photosynthesis, the cotyledon(s) provide initial food to give the plants a burst of energy for the true leaves to develop.

Microgreens vs Sprouts

• Microgreens are grown in soil; sprouts germinate in water.
• The leaves and stems of microgreens can be eaten; the "stem" and seed of sprouts can be eaten.
• Microgreens take around one to three weeks to grow, depending on the variety; sprouts take under a week to grow.
• Microgreens are packed with flavor and are often used as garnishes; sprouts are great for crunch.

Why do we need to know how to grow them at home?

• It's easy to grow.
• It's Fresh & Healthy. Contain digestible vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that provide nutritional health benefits.
• Many varieties will regrow and produce several harvests in same container, same soil, which is eco friendly process - fantastic value!
• No need for a garden.
• It grows fast and you get a quick harvest within 7-10 days.

Section - II

Health Benefits of Microgreens

Nutritional Punch

• Researchers found levels of four groups of vital nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and beta-carotene, in 25 different commercially grown microgreens.
• "These all nutrients are extremely important for skin, eyes, and fighting cancer.
• Microgreens are superior in nutritional value than the mature plants.
• Due to their high antioxidant content, microgreens are considered a functional food, a food that promotes health or prevents disease.
• Consuming plant-based foods of all kinds has been linked to a reduced risk of many health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
• Microgreens spend very little time in the soil. So there is no real need for the use of pesticides and herbicides when growing them. That makes microgreens a very healthy vegetable option.

Section - III

Seeds

Amaranth

Seeds

After growing

Arugula

Seeds

After growing

Beet

Seeds

After growing

Broccoli

Seeds

After growing

Red Cabbage

Seeds

After growing

Alfa Alfa

Seeds

After growing

Basil

Seeds

After growing

Radish

Seeds

After growing

Peas

Seeds

After growing

Celery

Seeds

After growing

Chard

Seeds

After growing

Mustard

Seeds

After growing

Bok Choy

Seeds

After growing

Lentil

Seeds

After growing

Fenugreek

Seeds

After growing

Green Gram

Seeds

After growing

Chickpea

Seeds

After growing

Wheat Grass

Seeds

After growing

Section - IV

How to Grow Microgreens

Life Cycle of Microgreens

Life Cycle - Planning

• Seed Selection is a key component of this life cycle.
  • What health benefits do you want?
  • Flavor
  • Seeds availability
• Equipment and space are two additional factors you'll need to consider in the planning phase.
  • Before you get set up, calculate how much space you have or will need.
  • Need a Container or Pot (Prefer clay pot)
  • Water Sprayer Pump
• Fertilizer has a very important role in the growth of microgreens. For microgreens you need a special mixture of these compost.
  • Vermiculite (Mica) - 12%
  • Cocopeat - 35%
  • Vermicompost - 45%
  • White Soil (Rock Sand) - 8%

Life Cycle - Planning

Compost

Vermiculite (Mica)

Vermicompost

Cocopeat

White Soil

Life Cycle - Sowing

Seed Density, Technique & How Much Seed You Need

• Fill your Container (Pot) with the Fertilizer keeping 1 inch empty at top.
• Water just enough to make the soil moist.
• Scatter seeds very densely but evenly on top of the soil.
• Small seeds at a density of approximately 10–12 seeds per square inch of container surface, and larger or medium-sized seeds at a density of 6–8 seeds per square inch.
• Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Dampen the surface with a mister.

Life Cycle - Growing

• Microgreens are usually grown in greenhouses.
• Microgreens need to be kept moist but not overly wet, prefer to use Water Sprayer Pump.
• Growing microgreens off-season indoors or in a greenhouse requires additional attention and resources; lights, fans to circulate air, and heating mats are usually needed.
• Mist the soil surface once or twice daily to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Life Cycle - Harvesting

• Microgreens are typically harvested with one set of true leaves, with the cotyledons still attached, at heights varying between 1–2".
• Each variety's appearance and taste provide an indication of its optimal harvest period.
• Microgreens are tender and need to be handled with care.
• Harvest by cutting handfuls with scissors, or cut entire flats with the knife.

Life Cycle - Eating

• Harvested microgreens should use fresh and you can make varity of dishes.
  • Salad
  • Sandwiche
  • Juice of Wheat grass
  • Vegetable Soup
  • Many more...

How to Grow Wheat Grass

How to Grow Mustard (with paper towel)

You can glow microgreens in Jar also

Section - V

Common Microgreens Problems

Mold or Fungus

Solution:

Slow Germination

Solution:

Yellowish Microgreens

Solution:

Clumpy Microgreens

Solution:

Section - VI

Microgreens in Kitchen

Quick and Easy Microgreens Salad

Ingredients

• Some microgreens true leaves (your choice)
• Peach
• Kiwi
• ½ tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Lemon Zest
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper
• 8-10 Walnuts and Almond

And that’s all!

Your salad is ready

Microgreens Sandwiche

Ingredients

• Bread
• Cheese
• Spread
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Some microgreens true leaves (your choice)

And that’s all!

Your sandwich is ready

Wheat Grass Juice

Ingredients

• Wheat Grass
• Water
• Scissor
• Hand Blender
• Strainer
• Water Glass

And that’s all!

Your Wheat Grass Juice is ready

Section - VII

Wrap Up

Important Questions?

• From where you can purchase microgreens equipment and seeds?
  • Amazon
  • Edible Routes
• How to improve the quality of compost after 3-4 Harvesting?
  • Multi Vita
  • Seaweed
  • Bone Meal
• How to protect microgreens from fungus and other problems?
  • Neem Khali
  • Neem Oil

Any Other Questions ?

I'm here to help

yoku2010@gmail.com

@yoku_2010

Next Session

On

Kombucha

Mid of September 2017

In Excelsoft

Kombucha

Mid of September 2017

In Excelsoft