Microgreens: What Are They, And How Can You Use Them?

These days, more and more health-conscious people are starting to transform their diets to align with their health needs. And even though most people assume that healthy foods aren't as tasty, there are plenty of ways to incorporate healthy ingredients into recipes that are just as delicious as you remember them. Microgreens, for example, are extremely nutrient-dense and can make a wonderful addition to countless recipes.

Microgreens are a tiny form of edible greens produced from very young vegetables, herbs, or other plants, and contrary to popular belief they are not the same as garnishes. These mini plants range in size from 1 to 1.5 inches long, including the stem and leaves. According to WebMD, microgreens such as cilantro, red cabbage, and radish contain up to 40 times more nutrients than other types of greens. Researchers published a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry citing these astounding benefits:

“The microgreens were four- to 40-fold more concentrated with nutrients than their mature counterparts,” said researcher Qin Wang, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Maryland in College Park. “When we first got the results we had to rush to double and triple check them.”
So, how can you take the results of this study and use them to your nutritional advantage? Here are just a few creative and delicious recipes to try with microgreens.

Roasted Fajitas

In 2016, nearly 234 million Americans used Mexican food and ingredients. Why not put a twist on a classic recipe by adding a serving of nutrient-packed microgreens? This recipe, provided by With Food And Love, is incredibly versatile and well-suited for even the pickiest of eaters. They take just 45 minutes to prepare and use an abundance of fresh ingredients such as carrots, watermelon, olive oil, coriander, cumin, and more. And here's another pro-tip: If you're one of the 29.4 million adults with diagnosed sinusitis, cumin is known to work as a great home remedy for all types of sinus issues -- albeit, a spicy one.

Omelettes

Everybody knows that eggs are one of the most versatile foods known to humans. Omelettes, however, are a delicious and nutritious way to get some much-needed protein and vitamins into your diet, especially if you just use the egg whites. This recipe, provided by The Merry Thought, uses just a handful of ingredients, and this healthy breakfast will keep you full and satisfied for hours into the day.

Pizza

As one of the most beloved foods in America, pizza is a universal treat that can be made in countless varieties -- yes, even healthy ones. What We Love Most provides this simple recipe for making your own personal pizza packed with nutrients from microgreens. This unique recipe also uses ricotta cheese, bacon, and pistachios to add an intense and unique flavor profile.

"This pizza can be served as an appetizer, an elegant lunch or simple dinner," writes What We Love Most writer Haley Desmet. "It also pairs nicely with a glass of Malbec!"

Ultimately, obtaining your microgreens is simple -- you can buy them at your local specialty grocery store, receive them in the mail from a distributor, or even grow your own at home. But taking advantage of these delicious recipes is just one way to add a healthy dose of microgreens into your diet.

Image Source: Peggy Greb