Cabbage microgreens are green leaves with a big punch. Loaded with vitamin A, C, and K, these are tasty and crunchy. It has got the same taste as regular cabbage but with more flavor. Cabbage microgreens are best for beginners planning for DIY microgreens. According to research, eating cabbage microgreens can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
There are numerous benefits of growing microgreens at home. Not simply adding the taste and rich nutrients to your diet, you are also getting the fresh and organic produce right at your table. Cabbage microgreens can be grown indoors, and they grow faster.
Health benefits of cabbage microgreens:
- Boosts your immune system
It contains a good quantity of antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins K1 & C, and potassium. Cabbage microgreens can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.
- Gastrointestinal Distress
S-Methylmethionine, a compound in red cabbage microgreens, can reduce gastric distress and eliminate peptic ulcers.
- Reduced cancer risk
The compound present in cabbage microgreens called glucosinolates can prevent the growth of cancer cells without striking normal cells.
- Alzheimer’s
As per the research, cabbage microgreens can help in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s.
How do you grow cabbage microgreens?
Cabbage microgreens can be grown at home in the smallest of backyards. They get ready to harvest anytime between 5 to 14 days of planting.
Let’s look into the materials required for growing cabbage microgreens
- Cabbage seeds
- Potting soil
- Two growing trays, one with holes one without, and cover
- Water mister
- Soil sifter
- Grow light
The following steps are just general guidelines for growing cabbage microgreens.
- Prepare soil. Sift the soil to remove all the debris or rocks. Sifting is to avoid the seeds struggling to germinate because of heavy dirt particulates and stones. Fill the growing tray with this fine soil and pat down gently. Moist soil using water mister, but do not overwater.
- Spread the microgreen seeds evenly and densely across the tray. Press the seeds gently with your hands.
- Once you sow the seeds, mist the tray with water.
- Cover the top of this tray to keep them in the blackout phase. Place the tray at room temperature in a dark place. Cover the seeds for three days, and this is where seeds start germinating. Make sure to moisturize once or twice as needed.
- When you see the cotyledon leaves emerging (the first seed leave that you can see around the fourth or fifth day), take out the tray from the blackout phase and keep it in a place where it gets sunlight, but away from direct sunlight.
- Ensure to moisten the soil periodically but avoid getting the leaves overly wet to prevent mold problems. You can try bottom watering. For this, you need to grow the microgreens in a tray with holes. Then fill a tray with water and place the microgreen tray on top to soak up
- Your microgreens will be ready for harvesting when they are 1-3 inches tall or between 5-14 days. Use a sharp pair of scissors and snip above the soil line. Harvest as per your taste preference and enjoy the taste of fresh microgreens at your home.
Conclusion
Cabbage microgreens look different than their full-grown counterpart but offer the same taste and more nutrition levels. Cabbage microgreens are flavorful and make a good base for any salad. Red cabbage or purple cabbage has more nutrients than white or green. As per the studies, red cabbage microgreens contain an adequate amount of glucosinolates and polyphenols, which help lower cholesterol. Cabbage microgreens are not only nutritious but also known for their vivid texture, so they are widely used for garnishing. You can enjoy them in the form of smoothies or include them in soup, sandwich wraps, and salads. They go well with other fruits and food options such as tomatoes, strawberries, avocados, roasted chickpeas, or caramelized cauliflower.
