There is an ancient Hindu tradition of growing barley as microgreens during the 9 days of the Navratri festival. It symbolizes thanks to the mother goddess, and like many traditions, it helps you to detox. The microgreens are meant to be offered to the goddess and consumed as a blessing at the end of the 9 days. So, what are microgreens, why are they healthy, and more importantly, how do we grow them? But first, let’s distinguish between sprouts and microgreens.
Sprouts are the first stage of the germination process and are consumed as soon as little shoots emerge from the seed. Microgreens are the first leaves, called the cotyledons, that are consumed. Sprouts take about 3-5 days to be ready, and Microgreens take between 7-14 days to be ready for consumption. Microgreens are denser in nutrients than their full-grown counterparts.
You can use regular seeds to grow microgreens, so no need for special seeds. You will need a sterile medium, so water, rockwool, or a good-quality potting mix. I would recommend rinsing out the soil, if you are using it, with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide to sort out any fungus lurking about.
Use a plastic woven basket, or a foil or plastic container with holes, add your chosen growing medium, and densely sow your seeds in it. Spacing is not critical here, as we will consume these as tiny plants. You can use a thin layer of cocopeat to cover the seeds, or if using rockwool, cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite. One idea was to cover the tray with a piece of foam or another tray and ensure that no light passes through. As the seeds germinate and unfold, the foam will rise. Water with a spray bottle when dry only. If using foam, please anchor it in place. Many seeds require weight to aid in germination, so placing something heavy on the foam is very helpful.
The seeds germinate in about 3-4 days, and then put your trays in full sun in a south-facing window or under grow lights. Also, check that there is proper circulation of air to prevent mold. Use a spray bottle to keep the soil moist, but ensure there is ample drainage. The microgreens are ready to harvest in about 10-14 days, depending on the kind of plant. The nine most nutritious microgreens are: Radish, Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Mustard, Pea, and Sunflower. They are packed with vitamins A, C, and K and are good sources of Potassium, Calcium, and Iron
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