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What Are Microgreens? The Complete Guide for Beginners
Microgreens 8 min··Author Stari Vuk

What Are Microgreens? The Complete Guide for Beginners

Everything you need to know about microgreens – from growing to eating. Nutritional values, health benefits, and how to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Microgreens are young plants harvested 7–21 days after germination, when they develop their first true leaves. These miniature plants contain up to 40 times more nutrients than mature plants of the same variety, according to a study by the USDA.

Why Are Microgreens a Superfood?

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that microgreens contain significantly more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to mature vegetables. This makes microgreens one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.

VarietyKey NutrientsFlavorHarvest Time
BroccoliSulforaphane, Vitamin C, KMild, fresh8–12 days
Red AmaranthIron, Vitamin A, EEarthy, nutty10–14 days
SunflowerProteins, Zinc, MagnesiumNutty, crunchy10–12 days
PeaVitamin C, Folic acidSweet, fresh10–14 days
RadishVitamin B6, PotassiumSpicy, peppery6–10 days
MustardVitamin K, CalciumPiquant8–12 days

Nutrients in Microgreens and Their Role

  • Polyphenols and carotenoids – antioxidant plant compounds present in high levels
  • Vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and zinc
  • Vitamin K, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones – in concentrations higher than mature vegetables
  • Sulforaphane – a bioactive compound from broccoli that research studies for its role in the body's own enzyme systems
  • Dietary fiber and plant enzymes, a natural part of a varied diet
  • Folate and potassium – potassium contributes to normal blood pressure

How to Use Microgreens?

Microgreens are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be used as garnish, in salads, smoothies, sandwiches, or as an addition to main dishes. The key is to consume them fresh, as cooking destroys some of the nutrients.

Tip: Store microgreens in the refrigerator at 4–6°C. Freshly harvested, they last 5–7 days. Wash them just before consumption.

Our Microgreens Selection

At Faga.bio, we offer 6 varieties of fresh microgreens, grown without pesticides or artificial fertilizers under controlled conditions. Each order is cut on the day of delivery to ensure maximum freshness and nutritional value.

FAQ

Are microgreens the same as sprouts?
No. Sprouts are grown in water and consumed whole (root + stem). Microgreens grow in substrate, develop leaves, and are cut above the root. Microgreens have more nutrients and lower risk of contamination.
How many microgreens should I eat daily?
The recommended daily amount is 25–50 grams. That's roughly a handful in a salad or smoothie. Even a small amount has a significant nutritional impact.
Can I grow microgreens at home?
Yes! You need shallow containers, substrate (coconut fiber or soil), seeds, and sufficient light. Most varieties are ready for harvest in 7–14 days.
How do microgreens differ from baby vegetables?
Baby vegetables are older (15–40 days) and larger. Microgreens are younger (7–21 days), smaller, and more nutrient-dense.
Are Faga.bio microgreens organically certified?
We use organic growing practices – without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. The certification process is underway.

Sources

  1. Ghasemzadeh Z, Farhadi N, Hosseini M, Najafi S (2022). Sprouts and Microgreens—Novel Food Sources for Healthy Diets. Foods. PMID: 35807490
  2. Kaya B, Yardımcı H (2025). Microgreens: nutritional properties, health benefits, production techniques, and food safety risks. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. PMID: 38048281
  3. Popović BM, Bursać M, Vidaković N, Perić J, Bursać M, Mandić J, Petrović J, Nikolić MR, Sakan D, Četojević-Simin D, Grulović J, Sakač M, Pojić M, Vujasinović D, Pezo M, Tumbas Šaponjac V (2025). A Comprehensive Antioxidant and Nutritional Profiling of Brassicaceae Microgreens. Antioxidants (Basel). PMID: 40002378
  4. Kabbash YM, Metwally K, Abdel-Latif S, El-Said HM (2024). Nutritional quality profiles of six microgreens. Sci Rep. PMID: 38640751
  5. Singh P, Minhas G, Kumar R, Grewal V, Singh K, Chopra S, Singh B, Rawat S, Kumar V, Upadhyay R, Kaur R, Grewal S (2023). Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens. Antioxidants (Basel). PMID: 37890940

Author

Stari Vuk

Stari Vuk is the editorial voice behind faga.bio. Researches and writes about microgreens, natural supplements and hydroponics, drawing on scientific sources and hands-on growing experience.

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