Have you been wondering about the differences comparing Microgreens vs Sprouts?

Which one lasts longer? Which one has more nutrients? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two DELICIOUS (when grown right) SUPER Greens and help you decide which one is right for you. 

The Basics 

First, let’s start with a quick overview of what Sprouts and Microgreens are.

•  Sprouts are germinated seeds that have been soaked in water until they just begin to sprout. Often, they are eaten raw in salads or sandwiches. Unlike Microgreens, Sprouts do not need soil or compostable material to grow—they only require water and warmth—making them ideal for indoor growing or during winter months when outdoor gardening is impossible. However, due to their shorter growth period (typically just a few days), Sprouts tend to be less nutrient dense than microgreens, having up to 5-10x the nutritional value compared to having up to 20-40x. HOWEVER, Sprouts are a better source of Amino Acids, Pectin's, and Sugars than Microgreens! The biggest concern with Sprouts is their shelf-life, you are looking at 5-10 days before they start to release a pungent odor. 

• Microgreens are also germinated seeds, that are grown in soil instead of water and require sunlight to mature. Microgreens are typically grown in soil or on compostable material such as Coconut Coir or Jute mats and then harvested when they reach 1-3 inches in height. They must be harvested at a very young age (usually after 2-3 weeks) just after the first True Lead develops. Microgreens tend to be more nutrient dense than Sprouts because they have a longer growth period and thus absorb more nutrients from the soil. They also generally last longer than Sprouts, which means they can be stored for extended periods of time without losing their nutritional value(2-3 weeks!). 

Nutrition Value 

When it comes to nutritional value, both Sprouts and Microgreens offer plenty of health benefits. Both contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds like carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids. However, studies have shown that Microgreens tend to contain higher concentrations of these nutrients than Sprouts do. This could be due to the fact that Microgreens grow in soil under natural sunlight conditions while Sprouts only develop in water without exposure to light or oxygen.

Microgreen Lifespan 

Now let’s talk about lifespan - How long do these greens stay fresh? Sprouts can last up to 10 days if properly stored in the refrigerator while Microgreens can last up and beyond 14 days when refrigerated as well. So if you're looking for something that will last longer than a week or so, then Microgreens might be your best bet! 

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, both Sprouts and Microgreens have their own unique benefits when it comes to nutritional value and shelf life. While Sprouts may offer a slightly higher concentration of certain Amino Acids, Pectin's, and Sugars compared to Microgreens, they don't last quite as long as the latter does when stored correctly in the refrigerator. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference — whether you prefer the convenience of a shorter-lived food or the health benefits associated with longer life span ones like Microgreens! No matter which one you choose though, you can rest assured knowing that both options provide plenty of essential nutrients for your body!