1. Unique color and flavor
Sometimes getting your family to eat their leafy greens can be an impossible task. Not all of us enjoy eating leafy greens. Just the sight of some green and mild-tasting veggies is enough to turn some kids off completely. Microgreens are more pleasing to the eye and deliver a more flavorful version of the larger real vegetable fully grown. You can usually get microgreen versions of beets, arugula, chives, cabbage, chard, beets, kale, parsley, radishes, cilantro and more. Many of the local restaurants in Gros Morne Park have begun to feature entrees with our microgreens on their menus. Restaurant goers really enjoy the visual appeal added by our microgreens, and a visually appealing dish is often a delectable dish.
2. Microgreens date back to the 1980s
Microgreens may have only just gotten popular in restaurants and on modern home menus, but they date back to the 80s in San Francisco. During the 90s, microgreens’ popularity moved to Southern California, but with a somewhat limited selection. Kale, basil, beets, and arugula were the most eaten varieties. Naturally, they made their debut in salads, still one of the most popular ways to enjoy microgreens.
3. High in nutrients
While it is well documented that leafy greens contain a lot of the nutrients required to maintain a healthy diet. Now imagine taking that same health benefits and jam-packing into a smaller version. All the good minerals and vitamins that are found in the larger versions of a vegetable are in the tiny microgreens as well. Swiss chard for example is very high in vitamins K, A, and C. The microgreen version of Swiss chard adds a colourful and nutrient-packed punch to any salad. Beets are packed with manganese and folate, and beet microgreens go with just about any dish.
4. Microgreens are easier and convenient
Shopping for your vegetables and leafy greens in the grocery store does not come cheap. The more specialized the vegetable is, the more likely it is to be pricey. As more people start eating microgreens, demand will go up, and the price will increase. If the store-bought vegetables are out of your price range or aren’t fresh, you can visit us here at Gros Morne farm for cheaper, better alternatives.
5. Improve heart health
Heart Disease is one of the most common health issues in modern society due to poor eating habits. For so many consumers a hectic work life and frequent trips to fast-food restaurants have led to poor health. Reducing the frequency of eating fast foods will start to reduce your risk of heart disease. Microgreens can help add more vitamins and nutrients you need to help your body heal from this kind of heart problem.
6. Reduce risk of chronic disease
Learn to make microgreens a part of your regular diet – they can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cancers of the digestive tract. Powerful antioxidants found in microgreens prevent the buildup of harmful free radicals responsible for the growth of cancer cells. People with inflammation issues should know that a colourful and tasty salad with microgreens can help if eaten on a regular basis.
7. Microgreens fight obesity and type 2 diabetes
Any doctor will tell you being overweight, and type 2 diabetes go hand in hand. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance. In people who are obese, the cells become less sensitive to insulin. Glucose stays in the blood instead of being delivered to the cells. Studies have shown that fat cells may be more resistant to insulin. Many microgreens, including brussels sprouts, arugula and kale help fight obesity when included in a healthy diet. Other microgreens help manage blood sugar levels.
8. Microgreens should not be confused with sprouts
Microgreens are not just veggie sprouts. They needn’t be consumed only as simple salad garnishes — they can be the main dish. It is true, most of us eat with our eyes and not our stomachs. Take a look at a salad made with colourful microgreens and a salad with plain iceberg lettuce. Chances are your attention will be focused on the microgreen salad, and the flavours will be as good as its appearance.
9. Microgreens are not limited to salads
If you don’t enjoy eating salads, they are still plenty of ways to include microgreens in your diet. Basil microgreens can be used to enhance sauces and marinades. Sandwich-lovers can top their ham or bologna sandwich with crunchy arugula and kale microgreens. It’s best to keep your microgreens separate until eating if packing your sandwich to eat later.
10. Microgreens add nutrients to your morning smoothie
The breakfast smoothie has become a popular healthy choice. Fruit and yogurt can make your smoothie sweet, but throw in some microgreens to take the nutrient value to the next level. An early dose of kale microgreens will help kick start your digestive system for the day. You can add enough fruit to mask the taste, or you might come to enjoy the fresh green veggie flavour.
