Living Healthy with The Mighty Microgreen Educational Group Kit Instructions

Why Microgreens?

Microgreens: A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Small Package

Microgreens are young, edible plants harvested just after the first leaves, known as cotyledons, have developed. Older, more nutritious, and safer to grow than ‘sprouts’, these tiny greens, typically only 2-4 inches tall, pack a punch in flavor, color, and nutrition. Often referred to as “superfoods,” microgreens are grown from the seeds of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, such as broccoli, kale, arugula, sunflower, pea, and basil. Despite- or because of- their small size, microgreens are incredibly nutrient-dense. Studies have shown that they can contain up to 40 times more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. For example, broccoli, kale, and other brassica microgreens are rich in sulforaphane, a compound linked to numerous health benefits.

These greens are versatile, adding a burst of flavor, texture, and vibrant color to soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, main dishes, and desserts. They are easy to grow at home, requiring minimal space, time, and resources, making them a popular choice for home gardeners and health enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your meals or boost your nutrient intake, microgreens are a simple and delicious way to elevate your diet.

In Your Kit…

• You have two black trays (one for planting, one to use as a cover tray), a white water tray, a coir soil disc with a cup to rehydrate it, a packet of microgreen seeds, a planting stick to help move the soil around in the tray, and a rubber band to put the trays together while you transport them home.

The seeds in your special kit are called Super Booster for a reason!

They are a mix of five powerful brassicas: Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Arugula, and Kohlrabi. Brassicas are a source of anticarcinogenic glucosinolates, antioxidant metabolites (vitamin C, β-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins.

• Among other vitamins, Brassicas contain vitamins C, E, and K, as well as folate and vitamin A precursors. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help reduce blood pressure and fight inflammation. Vitamin E may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and boost brain health. Vitamin K helps blood clot and aids in bone metabolism. 
• Minerals: Brassicas contain essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. 
• Bioactive compounds: Brassicas contain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolics, and selenium. These compounds may help protect against disease.
• NOTE: your kit may have broccoli or Pea seeds. Both are also extremely nutritious.

Planting Directions:

1. Add ½ cup of water to your cup. Drop in the soil disc and allow it to absorb all of the water. Place a black tray inside the white water tray. Pour the moistened soil into the black tray. With your stick, gently move it so that the holes in the bottom of the tray are covered, and the soil is even. The soil should be loose and ‘fluffy’ to allow good airflow.
2. Spread the entire packet of seed evenly over the soil. Do not bury the seeds. Place the second black tray over the seeds. Put a weight (such as a rock or a can of food) inside the black tray. Place the tray in an area with good airflow, such as on a counter or table. Light is not necessary at this stage. Do NOT put the trays in the sun while covered!
3. For the next 3 days, the seeds will grow and develop. No care is needed. Do not add water during these 3 days as there is enough moisture in the soil. After 3 days, remove the cover and weight and place the microgreens in a sunny or bright window.

When your microgreens are 7 days old from planting, begin tasting them to determine at what stage you prefer them. Most microgreens are ready to harvest in about 10 days, but you can eat them at any stage.

Harvesting

Using clean scissors, cut the microgreens a little above the seed (the nutrients are in the stems!). You can harvest and use them all at once or cut them as you need them. 

TIP: The nutrient-rich soil and roots can be added to your compost, under a bush or tree, or in a garden.- do not reuse soil for microgreens. 

• If you choose to harvest all the microgreens at once, store cut greens unwashed and covered in the refrigerator. Wash before eating. The best practice is to harvest a handful at a time to add to your meal.
• Important: Thoroughly wash and rinse all trays by hand before reusing. Only the white water tray is dishwasher-safe. For a continuous harvest, start one tray of microgreens each day, or every other day.

For detailed information on growing microgreens, click below for “Microgreen 101”

Questions, comments, or remarks? Leave them below for a quick answer!