Sometimes called “vegetable confetti” thanks to their vibrant shades of green, red and purple, microgreens have taken the culinary world by storm. Available in upscale grocers and restaurants, they can add texture and sweet or spicy flavor to soups, salads and sandwiches. And on the social media app TikTok, amateur and professional growers alike have documented their love for the miniature greens in nearly 105 million videos. But make no mistake — microgreens aren’t coveted merely for their color or taste.
Unlike sprouts, which are often eaten before their leaves develop, microgreens are the seedlings of various vegetables and herbs. In other words, if sprouts are at the infant stage of plant growth, microgreens might be considered toddlers. These toddlers are typically harvested within two weeks of germination, when they’re only a few inches tall. Despite their small size, however, many serve up a macro portion of nutrients.
