The eatin’ o’ the greens
What a relief to welcome back springtime rituals like St. Patty’s Day! Spring brings cravings for bright, fresh flavors and lighter dishes. Microgreens can boost your nutrition and mood as you create healthy meals for a new season.
Microgreens are different than the alfalfa sprouts you may remember from sandwiches and salad bars. Microgreens are very young plants, generally harvested after 10-14 days of growth. They’re a little more grown-up than a sprouted seed. As such, micros have more texture and flavor–and microgreens are simply packed with nutrition. One study by the University of Maryland and the USDA found that microgreens are four to 40 times more nutritious than the mature form of the same vegetable.
We are thrilled to feature microgreens at every market. On Sunday March 21, you’ll find Farming Gardens and Great Northern Microgreens at market. Each of these local growers offers a colorful variety of micros and they’re generous with information and advice about how to use them.
For immediate use, purchase cut, ready-to-eat microgreens. Living trays of microgreens are available to harvest at home–fun for adults and kids alike! Or, purchase a grow-your-own kit so you can experience the whole process, from planting to harvest.
When outdoor markets begin on May 13, you’ll also find a great selection of microgreens at Morning Sun Farms. Janet and Everett include microgreens in their CSA shares, as well.
Try microgreens for breakfast or brunch as in this Avacado Bagel with Microgreens by Yummly.
Blend up a smoothie for a post-workout treat, like this Tropical Broccoli Breeze smoothie recipe from Great Northern Microgreens
Incorporate microgreens into a plant-based lunch or dinner, as in this gorgeous Best Buddha Bowl recipe by Love and Lemons.
Out with that last season of cold and dark…in with a new season of bright flavors and healthy new dishes. Be sure to comment on our Facebook and Instagram pages with your favorite uses for microgreens.
We’ll see you at market on Sunday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find us in our bright, airy new location, the Maple Grove Parks & Recreation Studio at the Shoppes, at 12059 Elm Creek Blvd N, D-6. That’s on the east end of the Shoppes near P. F. Chang and Biaggi’s.
Here’s to your good health in a bright new season.
