Grow your own gourmet salad in winter

Ounce-for-ounce, microgreens provide more
nutrition and flavor than grown plants.

It might be winter outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow gourmet salad greens, also known as microgreens, right on your own windowsill.

Microgreens, even smaller than baby lettuces, are all the rage at high-end restaurants because they pack intense flavors in tiny little plants. But despite their small size, most microgreens pack even more of a nutrition punch, ounce for ounce, than the adult plants.

Growing microgreens is quite simple. They can be grown in a shallow container filled with a soilless mix, on a large sponge or by using another moisture-holding container, such as the hemp bag sold by The Sprout People. After spreading in whatever planting medium you choose, keep the seeds warm and in a dark place. Once they sprout, move them into sunlight and provide regular watering or misting to keep them moist.

Seeds sprout and are ready for harvesting in five to ten days, depending on the variety. Most are harvested by cutting the small plant right at the base. Many varieties will continue to grow for repeat harvests before you will need to re-seed.

By keeping several trays started at different times, you can be assured of a steady supply whenever you want them. You can even mix the different types of seeds to create your own microgreeens blend.

Unlike sprouts, such as alfalfa or mung beans, microgreens are served without the root. Serve the microgreens alone for a bold flavor or mix with other greens to brighten up the salad.

When shopping for microgreen seeds, make sure you compare the quantities. Some popular seed sources sell only a small packet of seeds while others sell multi-ounce bags. You can store unused seeds in the refrigerator for several months.

Here are some popular microgreens to try at home:

Arugula – Mildly spicy and is a great addition to any salad

Broccoli – Broccoli flavor and high amounts of sulfurophane, a powerful antioxidant

Celery – The fresh taste of celery, but a more delicate flavor

Chard, Bright Lights – Beautiful yellow and red colors and a mild, pleasant flavor

China rose radish – Pinkish stems and a bold radish flavor

Curly cress – Mild, radish flavor and a pleasing thread-like appearance

Mustard Greens – Horseradish-like flavor