Tired of the same old lettuce in your salad. Microgreens are about to shake up your plate in the best way possible. These tiny greens pack a punch with bold flavors, eye-catching colors, and a serious boost of nutrition.
The peppery snap of radish, the sweet aroma of basil, and the zesty kick of cilantro bring layers of excitement to every bite. They grow fast, take up hardly any space, and turn even the simplest meal into something special.
From a casual lunch to a chef-style dinner, adding different types of microgreens is the fresh upgrade your kitchen deserves 🌱✨🥗
Classification of Microgreens by Type
Microgreens can be classified in several ways depending on the purpose and approach of the grower. Understanding this classification helps in selecting the right types for your goals, whether it’s for profitability, culinary variety, or ease of growth.
By Plant Family:
Many microgreens belong to specific botanical families that share similar growth characteristics and flavors. The Brassicaceae family (mustard, broccoli, cabbage, radish, kale) is among the most common and includes many spicy and nutrient-dense options. Fabaceae includes legumes like pea shoots and lentils, known for their crunch and bulk. Amaranthaceae covers varieties like amaranth and beet that are prized for vibrant colors.
By Flavor Profile:
Microgreens are not only grown for visual appeal but also for their flavor. Radish and mustard offer sharp, peppery tones. Pea shoots and sunflower have mild, sweet flavors. Basil and cilantro add aromatic layers, while cabbage offers a refreshing, crisp bite. This classification is crucial for chefs and home cooks who use microgreens as both garnish and flavor enhancer.
By Growth Time:
Some microgreens are extremely fast-growing, like radish (ready in 7 to 10 days), while others such as cilantro or basil may take closer to 14 days or more. Fast growers are preferred for quick turnaround and small-scale commercial operations. Slower varieties, while more niche, can add specialty appeal and often command higher prices.
By Commercial or Culinary Purpose:
Microgreens also differ in their end use. Bulk greens like sunflower, pea, and cabbage are grown for volume and often sold in larger containers. Garnish greens such as amaranth, basil, or cilantro are grown more for their flavor and appearance, often sold in smaller quantities at higher prices. Some, like radish, offer a middle ground with strong visual appeal, distinct flavor, and good yield.
Most Profitable Microgreens
For commercial growers or serious home gardeners looking to profit from microgreens, understanding yield, pricing, and ease of cultivation is essential. Below are five of the most profitable microgreens, backed by actual growing data.
Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens consistently top the list in terms of profitability. From a single tray, a grower can harvest approximately 10 two-ounce containers. Each container can be sold for about $6, leading to a revenue of $60 per tray. Sunflower is valued for its mild, nutty flavor and hearty texture, making it a favorite among both chefs and consumers. Its thick stalks and vibrant green leaves also offer strong visual appeal. This combination of high yield, easy marketability, and consumer demand makes sunflower an essential crop for any microgreen business.
Radish
Radish microgreens, such as the Rambo purple variety, are a favorite due to their spicy flavor and quick growth. One tray typically yields around 7 two-ounce containers, each retailing at $6. This provides about $42 in revenue per tray. Radish seeds are inexpensive, and the crop is ready in just 7 to 10 days. The bold flavor and vibrant purple or red stems add both culinary and visual excitement. This variety also serves as an excellent conversation starter when served fresh during meals, giving them added value beyond cost.
Pea Shoots
Pea microgreens are another high-yielding, customer-friendly crop. They are typically sold in four-ounce containers due to their bulkier size. One tray yields four containers, each selling at $10, resulting in $40 per tray. Though the yield per ounce is lower than radish or sunflower, the visual bulk and sweetness of pea shoots make them attractive to customers. Their crunchy texture makes them versatile for salads, wraps, and stir-fry dishes. Pea shoots grow quickly and remain one of the staples in profitable weekly rotations.
Golden Acre Cabbage
Golden Acre cabbage microgreens are a hidden gem that most growers overlook. With an average yield of 5 two-ounce containers per tray and a retail value of $6 per container, the total return is about $30 per tray. These microgreens are known for their hardy structure, waxy leaves, and thick stems. They grow with a compact, full canopy, making them visually appealing and easy to handle. The texture is crisp, and the flavor is fresh, making them ideal for soups and cooked dishes where delicate greens would wilt. Their resistance to mold and structural integrity makes them easier to grow than many other greens.
Broccoli
Broccoli microgreens are widely regarded for their health benefits. They yield about 4 to 4.5 two-ounce containers per tray and sell at $6 each, bringing in $24 to $27 per tray. Though they don’t yield as much as other varieties, they are easy to grow and highly demanded due to their nutritional content. Research suggests that broccoli microgreens may contain up to 40 times the nutrients of mature broccoli, particularly in compounds like sulforaphane, which are linked to cancer prevention. Health-conscious customers frequently seek broccoli microgreens, making them a consistent seller even if the per-tray revenue is slightly lower.
Best Microgreens for Beginners
For those just getting started with microgreens, the selection of the right varieties is crucial to early success. Easy germination, fast harvest times, and minimal equipment requirements are key factors that define a beginner-friendly microgreen.
Radish (e.g., Rambo Purple)
Radish is often recommended as the first microgreen to grow. It germinates quickly, is ready to harvest in just 7 to 10 days, and offers an unmistakable spicy kick that mimics mature radishes. The vibrant purple stems of varieties like Rambo Purple make them visually stunning and flavorful. Their ease of growth makes them ideal for trial batches, market testing, or just home kitchen use. These are excellent for social occasions or as a talking point when served with salads or appetizers, instantly impressing guests with their sharp flavor and fresh harvest.
Basil (e.g., Genovese, Cinnamon Basil)
Basil microgreens offer strong fragrance and a bold, fresh flavor. While they take a few more days to mature compared to radish (typically around 10 to 12 days), they are still fairly easy to grow and highly rewarding. Different varieties such as cinnamon basil provide unique aromatic twists. Basil is ideal for garnishes, pasta dishes, or homemade pestos. Even the act of brushing your hand across a tray releases its strong scent, making it a sensory delight for home growers. It’s also one of the few microgreens that bridges the gap between microgreen use and transplanting for full herb production.
Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro is another flavorful, aromatic option suitable for beginners with a little patience. It has a longer germination period and may take up to 14 days before it’s ready to harvest, but its robust flavor and multiple uses make it worth the wait. Some growers use it both as a microgreen and for transplanting into outdoor planters. Its bold, citrusy notes pair well with Latin American, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. For anyone who enjoys using cilantro in their cooking, growing it as a microgreen offers a steady supply right from the kitchen.
Other Options for Starters
Pea shoots and sunflower are also highly recommended for beginners. They are easy to manage, have large seeds that are easy to handle, and produce hearty greens. Sunflowers, in particular, are very forgiving and have high germination rates. For those experimenting with variety, starter packs from reputable seed sellers often include these beginner-friendly seeds and can help build initial confidence.
On the other hand, some microgreens like chard and nasturtium are slower to germinate and may have inconsistent success rates, making them better suited for more experienced growers.
Flavor Profiles and Culinary Uses
One of the key reasons microgreens have gained prominence in modern cuisine is their diverse and intense flavor profiles. These tiny greens often carry a more concentrated taste than their mature counterparts, adding a burst of flavor and aroma to a dish without overwhelming it.
Radish Microgreens
These are known for their distinct peppery and spicy flavor. The Rambo Purple variety, in particular, delivers a vibrant radish bite without the dense, crunchy texture of mature roots. They are especially effective when added to salads, spring rolls, or light appetizers. Their shock of purple color not only enhances flavor but also presentation. As noted, guests often get a surprise when they bite into something spicy that looks delicate—making radish microgreens both a visual and sensory experience.
Basil Microgreens
With their strong aroma and deep herbal essence, basil microgreens are a favorite for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. They can be rubbed between the hands to release their signature fragrance, adding sensory appeal before even being plated. While standard Genovese basil provides a classic basil taste, other varieties like cinnamon basil introduce unexpected notes. These make an impression in salads, on bruschetta, or even in desserts like lemon sorbet, where contrast is key.
Cilantro (Coriander) Microgreens
Cilantro microgreens have a bold, citrusy, slightly tangy flavor that mirrors the mature herb but with more subtle grassy undertones. It is well-suited for Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisines. It can be used fresh as a topping on tacos, curries, and salsas. In fine dining, chefs often use cilantro microgreens to enhance seafood dishes or as part of a delicate herb blend on amuse-bouche.
Pea Shoots and Sunflower
These offer mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavors. Their texture is crisp, and they pair well with heartier dishes. Pea shoots, in particular, are used in stir-fries, wraps, and cold noodle bowls, while sunflower microgreens often accompany sandwiches or grain salads. Their high water content and mild flavor make them broadly appealing, especially in dishes that need a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
Cabbage, Broccoli, and Others
Cabbage microgreens, such as Golden Acre, deliver a clean, slightly earthy taste with a crisp texture. They work well in soups or stir-fry dishes where they won’t wilt quickly. Broccoli microgreens have a mild, subtly bitter flavor and are commonly added to smoothies and green juices for their nutritional value rather than intense flavor. Their versatility and gentle flavor make them one of the most accessible types for culinary use.
Ultimately, flavor profiles range from peppery and pungent to sweet, nutty, or earthy, giving chefs and home cooks immense flexibility in designing flavorful and nutrient-packed dishes with just a few pinches of greens.
Growth Requirements and Timelines
While microgreens are often labeled as “easy to grow,” each type has its own specific growth cycle, environmental preference, and germination behavior. Understanding these differences allows for better yields and more consistent results.
Radish
Radish microgreens germinate rapidly, often within 24 to 36 hours after sowing. They’re ready to harvest in 7 to 10 days, making them one of the fastest varieties to grow. They prefer a well-draining growing medium and require consistent moisture during the early stages. Radish thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60–70°F (15–21°C), and performs well even under basic LED lighting setups.
Basil
Basil microgreens are slightly more sensitive. They generally take 10 to 14 days to harvest and require warmth (70–75°F or 21–24°C) and consistent humidity for optimal germination. They’re slower to start but once they sprout, they form dense, aromatic mats. Proper airflow is crucial, as basil microgreens are prone to damping-off diseases if ventilation is poor.
Cilantro
Cilantro has a more complex germination pattern. The seeds have a hard outer shell, which slows down water absorption and germination. Some growers gently crush or soak the seeds to encourage faster sprouting. Cilantro typically takes 12 to 16 days from sowing to harvest. It prefers cooler conditions (65–70°F) and may grow unevenly if conditions fluctuate.
Pea Shoots and Sunflower
Peas and sunflower microgreens have larger seeds and longer roots. They need to be soaked for 8–12 hours before planting to initiate germination. Pea shoots are ready in 10 to 12 days, while sunflower typically matures in 8 to 10 days. Both require deeper trays and more growing medium than smaller-seed varieties. While they tolerate light shade, strong indirect light or direct sunlight enhances their yield and leaf development.
Broccoli and Cabbage
These are relatively easy to grow and follow a similar timeline of 8 to 12 days. Broccoli seeds are small and don’t require pre-soaking. They grow well in slightly cooler temperatures and thrive under both natural and artificial lighting. Cabbage microgreens like Golden Acre need similar care but tend to grow with sturdier stems and wider leaf spreads.
Most microgreens need to be kept moist but not saturated. Overwatering leads to mold, while underwatering causes stunted growth. Maintaining 12–16 hours of light per day and moderate temperatures (65–75°F) typically ensures consistent yields across most varieties.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
One of the most compelling reasons microgreens are in high demand is their dense nutritional profile. Despite their small size, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals—often in concentrations significantly higher than mature vegetables.
Broccoli Microgreens
Research from the University of Maryland and the USDA has shown that broccoli microgreens can contain up to 40 times more vital nutrients (like vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene) than fully-grown broccoli. More importantly, they are rich in sulforaphane, a potent compound with documented anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, broccoli microgreens are increasingly used in smoothies, detox juices, and meal plans for those with specific health goals.
Radish Microgreens
These microgreens are high in vitamin C and aid in digestion. They also offer antimicrobial and antifungal benefits thanks to the natural compounds found in radish roots. The spicy flavor is a clue to the presence of glucosinolates, which help the liver in detoxification processes and support immune response.
Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower greens are an excellent source of plant-based protein, containing up to 25–30% protein by dry weight. They are rich in zinc, magnesium, folate, and lecithin, which support brain health and hormonal balance. Their high fiber content also aids in digestion and helps with satiety, making them ideal for weight-conscious individuals.
Cilantro Microgreens
Cilantro has been associated with heavy metal detoxification. The microgreen form is similarly potent and contains chlorophyll, vitamin K, and essential oils that have antimicrobial effects. It’s also high in antioxidants, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, both of which are linked to heart health and inflammation reduction.
Basil Microgreens
Basil is rich in polyphenols and essential oils, including eugenol and linalool. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and calming properties. Basil microgreens also offer modest amounts of vitamin A, iron, and calcium.
Beyond these examples, most microgreens contain concentrated levels of vitamin E, C, K, lutein, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Because they are harvested shortly after sprouting, their cell structures are still developing, which leads to higher concentrations of enzymes and active compounds. In short, they offer one of the most efficient ways to consume fresh, dense nutrition with minimal calories.
Harvesting and Storage Techniques
Harvesting microgreens at the right time and storing them correctly are critical steps in preserving both their flavor and nutritional quality.
Optimal Harvest Time
Microgreens should typically be harvested when they reach the cotyledon stage, which is usually 7 to 14 days after germination, depending on the variety. At this stage, they have developed their first set of true leaves, and the nutrient concentration is at its peak. For instance, radish microgreens are best harvested between day 7 to 10, while basil and cilantro often benefit from a slightly longer growing window of 10 to 14 days.
Harvesting should be done in the early morning or late evening when the greens are most hydrated. Using clean, sharp scissors or a blade, the microgreens are cut just above the soil level. Avoid pulling them out by the roots to prevent contamination from soil or growing medium residues.
Post-Harvest Handling
Once cut, microgreens should be immediately rinsed in cool water to remove any residual growing medium or dust, and then gently dried using a salad spinner or paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of freshness—it can accelerate spoilage and encourage mold growth during storage.
Storage Guidelines
Freshly harvested microgreens should be kept in sealed containers or food-safe bags with minimal air to reduce oxidation. It’s best to line containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep the greens dry.
Ideal storage temperature is 32–40°F (0–4°C). Most microgreens stay fresh for 5 to 7 days, although more delicate ones like basil tend to have a shorter shelf life due to their sensitivity to cold and moisture.
For longer shelf life, radish, sunflower, and pea shoots store better than basil or cilantro. As mentioned in the source material, these varieties are also easier to grow again quickly if a fresh batch is needed, as they mature within a week.
Challenges and Troubleshooting
While microgreens are often marketed as beginner-friendly, growers still face challenges that can compromise crop quality and yield. Identifying and resolving these issues early on is key to successful cultivation.
Mold and Fungal Growth
Mold is one of the most common problems, especially in densely seeded trays with poor air circulation. Signs include white fuzzy patches on the soil or stem base. To prevent this:
- Avoid overwatering. Microgreens need to be moist but never soggy.
- Ensure good air circulation. Use fans or keep trays spaced apart.
- Use hydrogen peroxide solution to sanitize trays and seeds before planting.
Uneven Germination
Some seeds, like cilantro, naturally germinate at different rates. This can cause a patchy tray. To improve consistency:
- Soak hard seeds (like peas, cilantro, sunflower) for 8–12 hours before planting.
- Apply a light covering (soil or blackout dome) to create consistent pressure and humidity.
- Maintain stable growing temperatures based on the seed type.
Leggy Growth
Microgreens can become too tall and weak if they’re not receiving adequate light. This is a common issue for indoor growers relying on natural light alone.
- Use full-spectrum grow lights with 12–16 hours of light per day.
- Keep the light 2–4 inches above the microgreens to prevent stretching.
Heat Stress
As referenced in the video, high temperatures (such as around 100°F) can stress microgreens and lead to wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth. During heat waves, it’s better to harvest early or relocate trays to cooler, shaded areas. Radish and cilantro tolerate heat better than basil, which is more prone to wilting under high temperatures.
Pest Pressure
Although less common indoors, microgreens can attract fungus gnats or aphids, especially in overly moist environments. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used sparingly, but cleanliness and proper drainage are the best defenses.
Tips for Beginners and Recommended Starter Packs
For those just getting started, the best path is to focus on fast-growing, resilient varieties that offer flavor, ease of cultivation, and versatility. These allow you to learn quickly and enjoy results without investing heavily in equipment or supplies.
Top Recommendations for Beginners
- Radish Microgreens (e.g., Rambo Purple Sprouting Radish)
Germinate fast, ready in 7–10 days, flavorful and visually striking. - Basil (Genovese or Cinnamon Basil)
Fragrant, tasty, and grows into lush mats. Slightly slower to germinate but worth it. - Cilantro (Slow Bolt Variety)
Distinct aroma and flavor, especially suited for warm dishes. Can also be transplanted to garden beds for continued growth. - Pea Shoots
Mild taste and crunchy texture. High yield and great nutritional profile. - Sunflower Microgreens
Nutty, rich in protein, easy to grow, and visually appealing. Slightly more space and soaking time required, but still beginner-friendly.
Variety Packs and Seed Sources
Some seed suppliers, like True Leaf Market, offer beginner-friendly variety packs, which include a selection of high-germination, easy-to-grow microgreens. These often come with instructions and even pre-measured trays or growing mats. In the referenced example, the pack was even branded with a notable grower’s label, showcasing trusted selections.
Opting for these packs gives beginners a well-rounded experience, allowing experimentation with taste, harvest timing, and visual presentation. It also prevents early burnout from trying to grow more temperamental varieties like nasturtium or chard, which have inconsistent germination and longer timelines.
General Tips for First-Time Growers
- Start small. Use shallow trays or recycled containers with drainage holes.
- Keep a journal. Track what works, which varieties you like, and environmental conditions.
- Use sterilized equipment. This prevents mold and disease.
- Be consistent. A simple watering and lighting routine goes a long way.
- Harvest often. If you miss the peak window, many greens become fibrous or bitter.
With minimal investment and just a bit of attention to detail, microgreens can offer an abundant and rewarding experience, both nutritionally and visually, right from your kitchen counter or windowsill.