Microgreens: More than a beautiful garnish!

Microgreens are young greens that are full of color, have an intense aromatic flavor, and come in many varieties. From spicy, sweet, and bitter, there is a microgreen for everyone!

And, did you know these vibrant and delicate greens are packed full of vitamins? They contain nutrients at a concentrated level, which means more vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant levels then mature greens like kale and arugula.

Everything you need to know:

Mirro Cabbage

Crispy, earthy, and mild in flavor with beautiful green leaves and a dark purple hue and stem. Contains Vitamin C and K, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and antioxidants.

A perfect finish to your soup or salad.

Micro Mustard

Delicate to touch, spicy or mild in flavor, depending on your variety of choice. Pictured here is Scarlet Frills (green leaves, spicy) and Barbossa (mild and deep red). Contains Vitamin C, E, and K, high quantities of dietary fiber, Potassium, Calcium, and Copper.

A popular choice for your favorite Asian dish.

Micro Radish

Spicy in flavor with a precise taste of radish root. Available in a few varieties, pictured here is daikon (green stem), and triton (pink stem). Contains high quantities of dietary fiber and Vitamin C, and also provides Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.

Try using it as a topping for your stir-fry or eggs.

Micro Broccoli

Dark green leaves with mild flavor and a hint of broccoli, and overloaded with nutrition! Contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and up to 50 times the amount of sulforaphane (a powerful antioxidant) found in mature broccoli.

Give it a try in your green smoothie, or make into pesto.

Micro Cilantro

The seed is known as coriander and the plant is known as cilantro. The micro resembles a tiny cilantro leaf and tastes like one too, but with more intensity! Contains Vitamins A,B,C,E, and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc.

Best with curry, tacos, salsa, or anything Mexican-inspired!

Micro Kale

Green leaves with a light pink stem, earthy and sweet in flavor. Similar to other brassicas, micro kale is a powerhouse for Vitamin C and is considered a superfood.

Sprinkle on your pizza as a finishing touch, or add to a Summer berry salad.

Micro Arugula

These small and delicate heart-shaped leaves are mild with a subtle flavor of arugula to start, and end with a bite. Contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, calcium, iron, potassium, antioxidants, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Pairs well with cheese, salads, or a finish to your favorite pasta dish.

So how do I get my hands on these nutritious microgreens?

Many farms in Michigan have microgreens available for purchase at retail stores and the local farmers market. Pick up some of you favorite varieties from: Lakeview Hill Farm, Bear Creek Organic Farm, Loma Farm, Providence Farm, Lost Lake Farm, Daybreak Dreamfarm or any of these Michigan microgreen producers.

Bailey Samp is the Local Food Coordinator for NW Michigan and co-owns Lakeview Hill Farm in Leelanau County with her partner John. All these beautiful microgreens pictured above are from her farm, and she loves incorporating them into her recipes. For more tips and recipes contact her at [email protected]

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