Sprout Some Cheer Sprouts and Microgreens for Festive Feasts
By Ashleigh Smith
Sprouts and microgreens are some of the most underrated but easy-to-grow crops. They are ready in a matter of days and come in an array of colors and flavors. Whether you enjoy the crunch of garbanzos and mung beans or prefer something leafier, like cabbage microgreens, there is something you can grow fresh for your holiday feasts. Not only are sprouts and microgreens delightfully bright but they are also packed with nutrients that provide a fresh boost during the winter months. For that special flair that will set your holiday dishes apart from the others, add some sprouts or microgreens to your meal. Not only can fresh sprouts and microgreens be mixed into salads or used as a garnish, they can also play a role in your table decor for an interactive harvesting experience.
As the winter chill settles into the air, you may find yourself wishing your gardening season was just a little longer. The good news is sprouts and microgreens can be grown all year long! This is especially beneficial as you find yourself utilizing fewer and fewer fresh vegetables in your meals throughout the winter season. Sprouts develop the fastest as they are simply germinated seeds that are safe for eating raw. As a raw and living food, sprouts are filled with up to 40 times the nutrients of their mature harvest. With this impressive nutrient density that includes antioxidants, active enzymes, protein, and fiber, there’s no question sprouts and microgreen seeds are true superfoods that deserve a place in your winter and holiday lineup. No one has time for illness this holiday season, and these seeds are the answer. Jumpstart your celebrations by staying consistent with fresh greens all season long
Now, what are the best sprouts and microgreens to grow for harvesting health benefits and pairing with holiday foods? The key is variety. Mix and match different leafy greens and legumes for the greatest benefits. Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are known to contain proteins important to sustaining energy, stabilizing blood sugar, and promoting feelings of fullness. When it comes to pairing sprouts with holiday foods, consider adding a crunchy lentil or protein bean mix to add a delightful crunch to traditional salads. For a touch of sweetness, add some hydrated craisins or cranberry dressing. In addition to their use in salads, microgreens are also valuable for elevating the nutritional and presentation value of traditional holiday foods. Any vegetable that you would grow to harvest the stems and leaves can also be grown as a microgreen. Because leafy greens are generally mild, you can utilize them for a splash of green color as a garnish for mashed potatoes, turkey, roasts, and soups. Simply cut and spread a small clump over your plated food. For a flair of spice, consider growing arugula or mustard microgreens.
Holiday meals are generally spent with family and friends. This may mean that you are feeding people with a wide array of personal food preferences. Some people may not want microgreens added to their potatoes, and that is totally okay. To give people the option of choosing from a variety of sprouts or microgreens, or to skip them all together, consider utilizing them within your table decor. Microgreens can be grown in many containers, including odd-shaped and unconventional dishes. Coco coir or micro mat confetti are great growing mediums for accommodating popular holiday shapes like stars, circles, and tree-form dishes. Simply place the container of grown microgreens on the table for guests to harvest and garnish as they please. For a cost-effective party favor, consider putting a few tablespoons of seed into a bag or jar with a sprouting lid for an attractive and useful party favor.
Just because the weather has cooled doesn’t mean it is time to stop growing. Indoor sprouts and microgreen gardens are the perfect way to maintain a nutrient-dense diet while enjoying the traditional holiday foods we know and love. The quick planting-to-harvest period also allows you to try a variety of seeds in a short amount of time compared to traditional outdoor gardening. Don’t let the nutritional value of your winter meals slip just because it's the off-season. Enjoy your vibrant holiday celebrations together with these must-have superfoods.
About the Author:
Ashleigh Smith is the Managing Editor at True Leaf Market with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. True Leaf Market is a nationally certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom, and organic seeds to home gardeners everywhere. Learn more about our seeds, supplies, and other growing ideas: www.trueleafmarket.com.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
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