
Ashleigh Smith

Microgreens and sprouts are one of the best ways to eat vegetables. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to a study done by the University of Maryland research team, microgreens may contain as much as 4-40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts! What? That's amazing! Only about 10 percent of Americans eat the recommended portion of vegetables a day, making microgreens and sprouts an incredible tool for fulfilling your daily nutrient needs. They are easy to grow and easy to use.
Add them to a fresh green salad, soups, stews, smoothies, toast, etc. One of my favorite ways to use microgreens for a healthy, hardy, and energizing meal is to create a buddha bowl with quinoa, microgreens, sprouts, and additional fruits and vegetables. Buddha or rice bowls are a great way to create a well-balanced meal.

Nutrients Found In Sprouts and Microgreens
This information was found in Idaho State Universities Microgreen Nutrient Profile
Amaranth - 16% protein, rich in lysine; thiamine, niacin, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, and a good source of vitamins A and C and folate.
Buckwheat - rich in lecithin, iron, boron and calcium. It contains all of the B vitamins, C, and K, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, and selenium. One of the most complete sources of vegetable protein, containing all eight essential amino acids.
Pea - good source of beta carotene, high in vitamin C and folate, chlorophyll, flavonoids and polyphenols, specifically lignans and coumetarols, which are being studied for their anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. 17% protein.
Radish - Vitamins A, B, C, E, K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Amino Acids, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Antioxidants, Protein: 30%
Sunflower - Vitamins A, B complex, D, and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. 20% protein
This is only a small list. There are many more microgreens that are filled with awesome nutritional benefits. If you are looking for a way to boost nutrients, eat clean, and create tastier foods, microgreens and sprouts will be your new best friend. Microgreens are the initial shoot growth developed from the energy stored within the seed. Sprouts on the other hand include the seed, roots, and beginning shoot growth with the full benefits of nutrients and energy stored in the seed. At either stage you can expect to benefit from the concentrated nutrients compared to the mature vegetable counterparts. To make incorperatingn sprouts into your diet simple and easy, try one of our seed mixes or starter kits.
Microgreens can be grown right on the kitchen counter. There is no need for space or weather to keep you from growing nutritious vegetables. If you are new to growing microgreens, try one of our starter kits. For those of us who may have a hard time remembering to water plants, try one of our self-watering trays.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
2 comments
Christine Hiebel
Excellent!!! Good info, thanks!
Melissa Turner
These articles are great! Thank you.
Further Reading
Seed Inoculant Guide: Benefits for Legumes and Soil Health
Written By Lara Wadsworth It is common knowledge these days that healthy soil is critical for healthy plants. While Mother Nature is very good at taking care of her own, yet if you have gardened or farmed for any length of time, you know that sometimes...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-164 min read0Improve Your Cardiovascular Health with Microgreens
Written By Lara Wadsworth Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This deadly disease is sweeping across America at an alarming rate. However, much of it ties back to lifestyle factors we can control, such as diet and exercise. Few ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-166 min read0September Planting Guide By Zone
Written By Lara Wadsworth September gardening brings cooler air, shifting light, and new opportunities for planting and harvesting. Whether you’re in Zone 3 racing frost or Zone 10 just starting winter crops, here’s what to plant this month. Understand...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-0310 min read0Microgreens Grow Lights Guide: Best Options for Beginners & Pros
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens are one of the easiest and most rewarding indoor crops to grow. They are easily grown by anyone in any situation, and they are absolutely packed with nutrition and flavor. You can harvest them in 2 weeks or less, w...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-037 min read1