How Do I Use and Store Microgreens?
So, what are some tasty ways to use microgreens?
Microgreens can be used in many different ways and listed below are the ones we find that add flavor and crunch to an everyday meal:
• Add as pizza toppings
• Incorporate into stir-fries for Asian dishes
• Mix into rice dishes
• Used on appetizers
• Use with sweet baked goods
• Combine with Vegan and Vegetarian dishes
• Add to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps
• Use as a bed for meat or piece of fish
• Blend into smoothies, pesto, salsa, or pasta sauces
• Toss together with other vegetables as a salad
TIPS FOR SERVING MICROGREENS
Microgreens can be incorporated in many different kinds of meals, but there are a few tips in preparing them that can help you serve them at their highest level of quality. Here are some methods you can use to get the most out of your microgreens while cooking:
If you’re using microgreens as a cold garnish on a hot dish, be sure to add them at the last moment before serving to keep the greens from wilting as much as possible from the heat of the dish. A better option might be to serve microgreens on appetizers or meals that are served at room temperature or cold to avoid wilting.
If adding microgreens to a hot dish such as a soup or casserole, add microgreens towards the end of preparation and try not to stir them too roughly when incorporating them into dishes. As a general rule, cooking microgreens is not recommended as the high heat reduces their potent nutrient content. This doesn’t mean you can’t toss them in near the end of your stir-fry or soup you are cooking.
Some microgreens are more durable than others when being included in a cooked dish, so experiment with several varieties to find the best one for what you’re making.
Avoid washing microgreens until just before serving, since getting microgreens wet in storage can significantly shorten their already short shelf life. Instead, microgreens should be rinsed thoroughly before use.
A major advantage of cooking with microgreens is that these greens are grown easily throughout the year in an indoor setting; therefore, you can enjoy fresh vegetables in your meals even in the dead of winter.
Only wash your microgreens when you are ready to eat them. Unlike heartier greens, like collards or Swiss chard, you need to be careful with the water temperature you clean them in. Wash your microgreens in lukewarm, clean water as gently as you can. If the water is too hot or too cold, you could damage the greens and lower their nutritional value.
How to keep your Live microgreens fresh.
Yes, there are significant benefits to eating microgreens as soon as they are cut. That’s why we sell living microgreens. It’s a known fact that all vegetables begin to lose nutrients once cut from their roots. Living microgreens provide all of the vitamins and minerals that mother nature intended you to have. But… you say you have a hard time keeping a cactus alive? No worries! I have a few methods to keep your microgreens fresh for up to 10 days! Customers have the most success with Option #3.
#1 - On Your Kitchen Countertop– Leave the box of microgreens on your countertop, with the flaps open. Please do not put them in direct sunlight or under a ceiling fan. It will dry them out very quickly. Once every 2 days, check to see if the grow pad is still moist. If dry, remove the microgreens grow pad and pour 1/2 ounce of water into the box. Put the microgreens back in the box. This will keep them hydrated.
#2 - In Your Refrigerator– Place the box of microgreens in your refrigerator. Make sure it’s not in a direct path of the cold air coming out of the blower because they can easily freeze. Once every 3-4 days, check to see if the grow pad is still moist. If it’s dry, follow the watering steps outlined in method (1) above. When stored in the refrigerator, it is normal to see condensation on the leaves. If you see too much water on the leaves, we recommend putting them on your countertop instead. Too much moisture can lead to premature spoilage.
#3 - Cut and Store in Refrigerator - Leave the box microgreens on your countertop, with flaps open, for a day. It will evaporate any condensation that accumulated on the leaves. Once the microgreens are dry, you can cut and place them in an airtight plastic or glass container lined with a paper towel. Having dry microgreens is a crucial factor in how long they will stay fresh. Too much moisture can cause premature decay. From there, all you need to do is put the container in your fridge and use them when needed. It’s that simple!
How to Cut and Use Microgreens
Cut your microgreens with a scissor roughly 3/8” above the grow pad. You can give them a quick rinse if you’d like. Then add them to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soups, or just eat them plain. Get creative with your meals!
What is that white fuzzy stuff at the base of the stems?
This is, by far, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. The short answer is, it’s not mold. The white fuzzy stuff is called micro root hairs, a normal horticultural phenomenon with hydroponic microgreens.
Plants use these microscopic hairs to wick up moisture to feed. With proper care, your microgreens should not develop mold or rot. If mold does appear, it will show up as a small ball of slimy fuzz higher and closer to the leaves of the microgreens. Stem rot is typically brown and slimy and occurs at the base of the pad. You can easily identify when your microgreens are beginning to spoil.
What are the best ways to store microgreens?
No matter how many recipes you have on deck, you’ll probably have some leftover. How can you best store them?
Microgreens can spoil quickly, but when stored properly, they normally can last from one to two whole weeks (or even longer in some cases).
• Keep them unwashed in a dark and cool place, such as a refrigerator.
• Store them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag.
• Keep them dry before storing.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any additional moisture and maintain the humidity level.
• Store them between 33 to 40°F in an airtight container (unperforated) and keep relative humidity (inside the container) as close to 100% as possible.
• Handle them as little as possible before storing & avoid washing and drying until you’re ready to eat them.
Bottom line: Most microgreens can be successful stored and kept in the fridge; it’s simple and can keep them fresh and optimally nutritious for up to two weeks.
What about dehydrating?
Dehydrating your microgreens is a great way to store your microgreens, and it can save you money in the long run too, depending on how you use them.
Dehydrated microgreens can be eaten as crunchy snacks, similar to kale chips, or ground into a powder to be used in smoothies, soups, or shakes.
You can also use them if you have a finicky eater in your household. While you might not be able to disguise a vibrant pile of microgreens, you can easily slip some into a soup for some added flavor and a lot of nutrients.
Dehydrated foods won’t spoil, but they will lose some of their nutrition. The heating and drying process lowers the levels of some nutrients.
Can microgreens be frozen?
Freezing your microgreens is a good way of locking in the nutrition if you have too many to eat – but it will totally destroy their texture, so it’s only a good move if you’re planning on using them in a smoothie.
FAQs
You should also review our frequently asked questions page. It answers some of the most common questions our customers have. As always, if you have a question that is not answered, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.