Slightly off-topic, but... are microgreens as nutritious as the actual veg?

[dwdanby]

So for example, a broccoli microgreen, some of which are germinating happily on my shelf as we speak - I heard that a microgreen of a vegetable contains all the nutrients of a full-grown veg? It sounds wonderful, but is it true? More on-topic, I grow microgreens in a sprouting tray with cotton shoelaces threaded all around and cut ends sticking down into the bottom of the tray which is filled with water, so they wick water to the greens. They grow so much better than when I had to remember to water them!

 

[Meadowlark]

It's an interesting question to me. AI says the answer is yes: "Microgreens are rich in nutrients. They often contain larger amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than their more mature counterparts."

But it also says it depends on the variety...some are, some are not.

A different use of microgreens for me is in short term soil replenishment. I have seen significant benefits from microgreens turned back into the soil. In a matter of days, it is possible to achieve some degree of soil replenishment and incorporate the benefits of crop rotation by using excess seeds. Situations such as recently harvested space and wintertime warm spells work well.

 

[Steve @ Celtic Farm]

Microgreens are often as nutritious, if not more so, than their mature vegetable counterparts. They are harvested just after the first leaves develop, usually one to three weeks after germination, making them very nutrient-dense. This means they often contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants per gram compared to the mature plants. Studies have shown that microgreens can have significantly higher levels of vitamins like C, E, and K. They are also rich in essential minerals and antioxidants.

The nutritional content varies depending on the plant species. For example, red cabbage microgreens are known for high vitamin C content, while cilantro microgreens are rich in carotenoids. The nutritional value can also be influenced by growing conditions, including soil type and light exposure.

 

[Bearcat22]

So for example, a broccoli microgreen, some of which are germinating happily on my shelf as we speak - I heard that a microgreen of a vegetable contains all the nutrients of a full-grown veg? It sounds wonderful, but is it true? More on-topic, I grow microgreens in a sprouting tray with cotton shoelaces threaded all around and cut ends sticking down into the bottom of the tray which is filled with water, so they wick water to the greens. They grow so much better than when I had to remember to water them!

Please excuse me it this has already been said on this thread, but something to take into consideration is the source of information, and the quality of the source.

It is important to ask, who and what, exactly, determined the nutritional content of any specific food, and where did the sample foods come from?

Ever wonder why the cartoon character Popeye ate spinach to gain strength? During the late 1920s and early 1930s, childhood disease due to malnutrition was rampant and fresh vegetables were costly for an impoverished urban mother. A federal government pamphlet was published and widely distributed, listing the nutritional value of many foods. It was a case of bad proofreading, because a misplaced decimal point attributed much more iron content to spinach than it actually has. It gained a false reputation as a superfood.

"Studies report" the headline reads, but it does not necessarily tell you that the "study" included only 50 college kids being paid ten bucks to answer a one page questionnaire.

In the final analysis, I give you this 1970s bumper sticker:

Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway

 

[redback]

Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway

whoops - I didn't see this before my earlier response to the raised garden question.
You're intending to almost totally enclose a garden to avoid nature. Actually, you are part of nature so just grow herbs in a small but fertile raised bed by the back door without any walls or roof.

 

[redback]

What is your definition of "nature"?
The bed will admit sunlight, fresh air, and will have water pumped in.
Excluded will be destructive animals and insects.

Nature is outdoors and in you as well.
The bed won't get enough light if it's roofed.
Pat the cats - go "whooaa!!" to the dogs and observe the insects carefully.

 

[redback]

Microgreens would be nutritious if they are grown organically and eaten fresh (and raw often). Mung beans and alfalfa are high protein foods.
It's a question of time and space. In winter when it's snowing outside you probably do have the time.

 

[Meadowlark]

Microgreens would be nutritious if they are grown organically and eaten fresh (and raw often).

IMO, any veggie eaten fresh and raw is superior to otherwise. I strive to eat something fresh, uncooked from my garden every day. Humans didn't always have the luxury of cooking veggies before consuming them.