Microgreens: Fresh, Local, and Grown for You

Microgreens: Fresh, Local, and Grown for You

What Are Microgreens and Their History?

Microgreens are the tender young shoots of vegetables and herbs that we harvest about 7–21 days after germination. Unlike sprouts, which grow in water and include the seed and root, microgreens grow in soil or soil-like mediums and we cut them just above the roots.

The word “microgreens” combines “micro,” meaning small, with “greens,” a common name for leafy vegetables and herbs. Chefs and growers in California first used the term in the 1980s to describe these tiny, flavorful plants that added freshness and color to dishes. The name stuck because it captured both the size and the vibrant green character of the plants.

This distinction matters because microgreens often carry concentrated flavors and nutrients, giving you a taste of the plant’s identity in a much smaller, delicate form.

Chefs in San Francisco and Los Angeles popularized microgreens in fine dining, and by the 1990s, the word began appearing in food magazines, cookbooks, and eventually farmers markets. Today, people everywhere use the word microgreens to describe a wide variety of small, nutrient-packed greens grown locally and enjoyed worldwide.

Why Microgreens Matter

  • High in nutrients compared to their mature plant versions
  • Add fresh, crisp, and flavorful punch to meals without overwhelming them
  • Support the local food system when purchased from our farmers market or greenhouse

Whether you are trying microgreens for the first time or you are an experienced grower or chef, our markets give you access to affordable, fresh greens every week.

Why Are Microgreens Different from Their Mature Counterparts?

Microgreens such as radish, broccoli, or sunflower are not the same as the fully grown vegetables you see in stores. They carry the same name because they come from the same seeds, but farmers harvest them at an early stage—usually 7 to 21 days after germination.

For example, a broccoli microgreen does not resemble a full broccoli crown. Instead, it produces tiny leaves and stems with concentrated flavor and nutrients. A radish microgreen does not form the crisp bulb of a mature radish; it creates tender leaves with a spicy kick. By using the same names, growers connect the young stage to the vegetable it will eventually become, making it easier for people to understand its origin.

Why Microgreens Matter for Our Community

Microgreens bring powerful health benefits in a small package. Studies show they can hold higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature plant forms. Because of their size, they grow quickly and allow families to enjoy fresh, nutritious food in just a few weeks. Source

Our greenhouse project aims to make these nutrient-rich foods accessible to everyone in Harlem and the Bronx. Whether you want to try them for the first time or you already love cooking with them, we provide a local, affordable source.

Benefits of Microgreens for Kids

We believe healthy eating starts young. Our Kids Club at the farmers market introduces children to microgreens in a fun and hands-on way. Kids taste, smell, and learn how to grow them. When children grow and eat microgreens, they:

  • Learn how food grows from seed to plate
  • Get excited about eating vegetables
  • Gain healthy habits that support their growth and learning

Parents often share that their kids enjoy eating vegetables more after exploring microgreens at the market.

The Community Greenhouse Project

Our microgreens grows inside the St. Nicholas Miracle Garden Greenhouse, a year-round space we built with volunteers, student architects, and union carpenters. The greenhouse allows us to:

  • Grow seedlings for farmers who sell at local markets
  • Produce microgreens even in colder months
  • Teach community members about urban farming techniques
  • Provide hands-on learning for interns and youth coordinators

Your purchase of microgreens will directly support this greenhouse project, which strengthens our neighborhood's food security and creates opportunities for education and local farming.

Together, we can grow health, knowledge, and community right here in our neighborhood.

References

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