We were all told by our mothers, “Be sure to eat your vegetables.” But today she might say, “Be sure to eat your greens.” . . . microgreens that is.
What Are Microgreens
Microgreens are seeds that have been sprouted and harvested at an early age after the first leaves have sprouted less than 14 days after germination.
A staple of the health food movement, microgreens are also a common ingredient and many gourmet meals in fine restaurants. But being healthy doesn’t have to be expensive, sprouting at home can actually be more affordable that buying the mature vegetable in the grocery store.
Benefits of Sprouting Your Own Microgreens
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the leaves of the sprouted plants contained contained up to six times the amount of nutrients than the leaves of the mature plants.
How to Sprout Microgreens
Growing microgreens is a viable option, even for those who are not avid gardeners or are constrained by space. Minimal sunlight and space is required and can be grown on a kitchen windowsill.
If you would like to get started growing microgreens, stop by the Kingwood Garden Center. We have microgreen growing kits and seeds available on hand and our knowledgeable staff can help get you on your way.
Additional Resources
- Why Sprout
- Sprouting – Wikipedia
- Introducing Microgreens: Younger, and Maybe More Nutritious, Vegetables
- Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens
- Tiny Microgreens Packed with Nutrients – WebMD
- What are the Health Benefits of Microgreens
Congratulations to the Winners!
Revolutionary Customer Appreciation Days: The winners of Revolutionary 100 Essay Contest were selected this weekend during our big Revolutionary 100 Customer Appreciation Sale.
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Steve Mazzone – Kingwood
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Nancy Svoboda – Kingwood
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Tammy Waldrop – New Caney
Third Annual Kingwood Garden Center Tomato Contest
Whose tomatoes have what it takes to be the best? Find out in this Tomato and Vegetable Contest hosted by Kingwood Garden Center on Saturday, June 8th, 1216 Stonehollow Drive, Kingwood. Registration begins at noon the day of the event. Free. 281-358-1805. www.kingwoodgardencenter.com
Categories are best quality tomatoes, biggest tomato, best vegetable basket and best tomato junior division.
Kingwood Garden Center Tomato & Vegetable Coloring Contest
Kids 10 and under can join in the fun with our Tomato & Vegetable Coloring Contest.
Rules for Contest:
Open to Children 10 and Under
Categories:
- 8-10 Years
- 5-7 Years
- Under 5
Prize for each Category: Gift Card from “On The Park” Toy and Candy Store.
Finished contest pictures are to be presented no later than 12:00 pm on day of Tomato Contest, June 8, 2013.
Pictures can be picked up at Kingwood Garden Center or downloaded here.
If you choose to download the coloring page, please include the following information on the back: Name, email, phone number, child’s age.