Microgreens 🌱 - compact plant power for the professional kitchen

Microgreens offer restaurateurs aromatic variety in the smallest of spaces - ideal for creative applications and visual accents.

This translation was created from the original text using AI (DeepL).
Some types of microgreens can be harvested after just two weeks.
Trend topic microgreens: Small but powerful 🌱
Microgreens are considered the food of the future.
Microgreens offer more growing possibilities than mature herbs.

Microgreens are young plants that are harvested shortly after the first true leaves have formed. They are somewhere between sprouts and baby leaves and are characterized by their compact size and high concentration of nutrients. In gastronomy, they are used both as a source of flavor and as a design element on the plate.

Good question ...🧐

1. What are microgreens and why are they considered a superfood?

Microgreens are young, edible seedlings that are harvested after just 7-14 days. They often contain many times more vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals than full-grown plants. They are therefore considered a real superfood with intense flavors and high nutrient density.
Source: News Medical

2. How do microgreens differ from sprouts and seedlings?

Sprouts grow in water and are eaten together with their seeds, whereas microgreens grow in soil or substrate and only the upper parts of the plant are harvested. Seedlings refer to the early stage of development of the plant before it grows into a microgreen. Microgreens usually offer more flavor and nutrients.
Source: BZfE (Bundeszentrale für Ernährung)

3. How can microgreens be used creatively in gastronomy?

Microgreens are suitable as aromatic toppings on bowls, burgers or carpaccio, but can also be processed into pestos, sauces or smoothies. They not only bring freshness, but also color and texture to the plate - ideal for upscale cuisine or sustainable concepts.
Source: Vegbed.com


🌱 Microgreens - an overview of different varieties for professional kitchens:

Pea: The pea microgreens have a mildly sweet flavor reminiscent of fresh sugar snap peas. They are suitable for cold dishes, pestos or as an addition to vegetable components.

Sunflower: Sunflower microgreens are crunchy in texture and have a slightly nutty note. Their firm leaves make them a popular ingredient in salads and smoothies.

Radish (China Rose / Red Vulcano): Both radish varieties are characterized by a pungent, mustard-like spiciness, but differ in colour. They can be used well in spicy dishes or as a topping.

Radish: With its fresh spiciness, radish microgreen goes well with Asian cuisine. It is suitable for accentuating starters or accompanying raw fish dishes.

Broccoli: Broccoli microgreens have a cabbage-like flavor and contain sulforaphane - a phytochemical that is a popular ingredient in nutrition-conscious cuisine.

Red cabbage: This variety offers a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Its crunchy structure makes it versatile - both raw and as a garnish.

Kale: The microgreens of kale have a delicate, slightly bitter aroma. Compared to full-grown kale, they are milder, which makes them suitable for more delicate dishes.

Corn: Corn microgreens are characterized by a strikingly bright, yellow color and a sweet taste. They are grown in the dark and are suitable for visual accents.

Nasturtium (India): This variety develops a spicy aroma with a sweet and spicy note as it develops. It is characteristic and can be used specifically for intense flavor components.

Mustard: Mustard microgreens offer a typical, subtle spiciness. They can be used as a versatile seasoning component, for example in dressings, egg dishes or hot dishes.

Beet: As a microgreen, beet brings earthy flavors with a slightly acidic note. Its intense color is particularly suitable for color contrasts in the dish.

Onion: With an aroma reminiscent of spring onions, onion microgreens can be subtly integrated into many dishes without dominating.

Borage: Also known as cucumber herb, borage has a subtle cucumber aroma. This makes it suitable for fresh, light preparations such as salads or cold soups.

About ... Herrmann Kräuter

Name: Herrmann Kräuter
Location: Neuss, NRW
Founded: 1946 as a horticultural business, specializing in herbs since the 1980s
Focus: 28 herb and 10 cress varieties as well as microgreens from own indoor cultivation
Form of production: Microgreens all year round in an indoor farming system; herbs grown outdoors on 1,300 hectares
Target group: Wholesale and retail, gastronomy, delicatessen
Website: www.herrmann-kraeuter.de

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