Sprouts, microgreens, and baby greens are all stages in a plant’s development. Each has identifying characteristics and varying nutritional value. A sprout is the first stage of a seed’s development. The word “sprout” is actually synonymous with germination. Sprouts are consumed right after they germinate. They have become increasingly popular for their nutritional value.
When grown in a soil, the second stage of a seed’s development involves establishment of its roots and the opening of its first leaves, called cotyledons. Greens harvested at this stage are called microgreens. These are harvested in their infancy, and are only allowed to grow in the soil for a week or two. They have all the health benefits of sprouts with the added advantage of trace minerals brought up from the soil they are grown in. At this stage their texture, appearance, and flavor are much more like a salad green than a sprout.
Here’s what we will have at the Cedar Park Farmers Market this Saturday — April 23rd
Come see us!
Asian Mix: contains red bok choi, Tokyo bekana (a cousin of bok choi), radish, and amaranth
Micro Mix: contains purple cabbage, broccoli, endive, and amaranth
Spicy Mix: contains radish, mustard, and arugula
Spring Pea Mix: contains pea, endive, and radish