Once you've mastered sprouting seeds using the sprouting supplies, it's time to advance to growing salad microgreens in your kitchen. Just like sprouting, growing salad greens is simple and requires only minimal equipment. You'll be surprised at just how easy and inexpensive it is. Most of all, you'll be amazed at the full flavor of fresh microgreens!
CHOOSING SPROUTING SEEDS
The best sprouts for sandwiches and salads are vegetable seeds, particularly the brassica family, but also lettuce and other greens. These greens are thin, crunchy, and packed with nutrients.
Choose seeds specifically labeled for sprouting, or try these quality sprouting seeds to get started growing tiny greens:
- Organic Broccoli Sprouting Seeds
- Organic Daikon Radish Sprouting Seeds
- Organic Clover Sprouting Seeds
-
Chinese Cabbage Sprouting Seeds
How Much? Use 1 tablespoon of sprouting seeds per 100 square inches of sprouting area.
SUPPLIES FOR GROWING MICROGREENS
We recommend growing microgreens in a tray of soil, for the tastiest, most nutritious greens.
- Growing tray with cover
- Light, airy soil such as potting soil or compost
- Fertilizer such as azomite, if needed (add to soil according to fertilizer instructions)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROWING MICROGREENS
- Rinse seeds and remove debris or stones.
- If desired, sprout seeds in a jar or other sprouting container for 3 days before transferring to soil.
- Fill growing tray ½ inch deep with soil.
- Moisten the soil completely; do not over-water.
- Spread seeds very thinly and evenly over soil.
- Lightly mist seeds or sprouts with water from a spray bottle or atomizer.
- Cover tray. Place in an area with indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
- Water daily. For the first few days, continue spraying seeds using a spray bottle instead of watering the soil, to avoid damaging the delicate new sprouts.
- After a few days, sprouts will root in the soil and it is better to water the soil at this point. Avoid over-watering; drain between waterings.
- Once the first open green leaves appear (cotyledon), sprouts are ready to enjoy. If desired, continue watering another week or so until the second leaves form (true leaves).
- Harvest by cutting sprouts just above the soil. Enjoy immediately on salads or sandwiches.
- Salad sprouts do not store well; however, if storing is desired, dry sprouts gently with paper towels, transfer to a plastic or glass container, seal, and store for a few days.
WAYS TO EAT MICROGREENS
These tiny greens are delicious on their own, but here are a few other ways to enjoy them:
- Top salads or sandwiches with them.
- Mix them into a creamy cultured dairy dip.
- Sprinkle over soups.
- Process in a blender or food processor with avocado, lemon juice, and garlic for a delicious dip or spread.
- Or try these Recipes Using Sprouts.
