5 Ways to Use Microgreens
That Aren’t in a Salad
Microgreens are young greens harvested as soon as the first set of true leaves develops. If you can name a vegetable, grain, or herb, then you can grow (or procure from your local farm) its microgreens. When you taste microgreens, you get a flavor that resembles the mature plant.
While small, microgreens have ample flavor and even more nutritional density. Which is what makes them a perfect addition to all sorts of dishes. And while it’s incredibly easy to grab a handful of any type of microgreens and throw them onto a salad, there are many different ways to incorporate these nutritious and delicate greens into your diet.
1. Garnish Just About Anything
Microgreens are the perfect garnish to elevate even the simplest meals. They add color, texture, and flavor to everything from sandwiches to soups, and they pair beautifully with heartier dishes. Here are several ways you can use them as a garnish:
Loaded Baked Potato: After loading up your baked potato with sour cream, cheese, and your favorite toppings, add a handful of microgreens for a pop of freshness and crunch. Try radish microgreens to add a slight peppery kick.
Burritos, Burgers, and More: Put a handful of microgreens inside sandwiches, burgers, or burritos to give them a crisp, refreshing bite.
Flatbreads and Pizzas: Toss microgreens onto your pizza or flatbread just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Soups, pastas, or rice dishes: A small bunch of microgreens on top of warm dishes provides a raw component to add crunch and nutrition.
Desserts: Yes, this sounds strange, but microgreens are earthy, grassy, and a touch sweet so they pair well with many dessert ingredients. Try sprinkling them on top of any dessert. They add a depth of flavor and are visually appealing.
2. Make Microgreen Purée
This is one of those surprisingly uncomplicated recipes that will make you feel like a professional chef. Green pea and microgreen purée makes a great side to baked salmon or steak.
Recipe: Microgreen Puree
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen peas, shelled
Water, to boil peas
¼ cup pea shoots (or other microgreens or shoots)
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Steps:
In a medium-sized saucepan, boil the peas until tender, about 3 minutes.
Strain the peas and add them to a blender along with pea shoots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth, taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Serve alongside hearty dishes such as roasted fish or steak.
3. Make Microgreen Pesto
Pesto is a versatile ingredient that works great in savory pasta dishes, atop baked chicken, or tossed into seasonal roasted vegetables. Adding microgreens to your pesto will not only amplify the flavor but also make for an even more nutritiously diverse dinner.
Recipe: Microgreen Pesto
Servings: 4
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil (or other fresh herbs like parsley)
¼ cup of any microgreens or shoots
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts), slightly toasted on the stove top
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Steps:
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until combined and mostly smooth, but still textured.
As you’re combining ingredients, it’s good to slowly pour in small amounts of olive oil to achieve the desired texture.
Taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. Add to a Stir Fry
Stir fries are easy and fulfilling, but adding light, crispy microgreens can bring some more flavor and texture. Cabbage microgreens, for example, are mild and add just the right freshness to a stir fry. While radish microgreens can give an extra kick.
5. Use them in Baked (or No Bake) Desserts
Yes, you can use microgreens in desserts, and not just as a garnish. Their mild, slightly sweet, or peppery can contrast beautifully with sweet flavors. Here is an easy, no-bake recipe that incorporates microgreens.
Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Microgreen Bites
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoon honey
1/2 cup oats
2 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
2 Tablespoon coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened) (otional_
2 Tablespoon chocolate chips
1/4 cup finely chopped microgreens
1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Steps:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Make dough into small balls with clean hand and lay on a baking sheet.
You can freeze for 1 hour, or put them in the refrigerator to set and cool.
Health Benefits of Microgreens
In addition to having vibrant flavor, microgreens are also more nutrient dense than their mature vegetables. This is because as the plant is developing, those vitamins and minerals are present and concentrated in microgreens, and they have not yet been lost in the growing process of the mature plant.
While the nutrient composition of each type of microgreen will vary slightly, you can guarantee all microgreens will have the following nutritional benefits:
Cancer-fighting antioxidants
Fiber
Vitamins C, K, and E
Essential minerals such as Iron, Zinc, and Copper
Anti-inflammatory properties
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
