Microgreens
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation took a proactive approach to continue providing nutrient-rich food options to their Breast Cancer Survivors, by expanding the Pink Ribbon Garden Project to include Microgreens.
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that fall somewhere between sprouts and baby leaf vegetables. They have an intense aromatic flavor and concentrated nutrient content and come in a variety of colors and textures.
Since many microgreens can go from seed to harvest within 6-10 days, Libby’s Legacy grows on a rotating schedule and delivers Sunflower, Pea, various Radish, various Salad Mixes, and Broccoli microgreens to their survivors three days a week.
“Wow! This is amazing!!!” A.B.
“Thank you! So tasty!!” I.V.
“I am drinking my natural juice with vegetables and fruits. And now with one of the delights of the Libby’s Legacy garden. It’s delicious!!!” Y.C.
Microgreens are packed with nutrients. While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper.
Their nutrient content is concentrated, which means that they often contain higher vitamin, mineral and antioxidant levels than the same quantity of mature greens. As such, they may similarly reduce the risk of the following diseases:
Heart disease: Microgreens are a rich source of polyphenols, a class of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Animal studies show that microgreens may lower triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
Alzheimer’s disease: Antioxidant-rich foods, including those containing high amounts of polyphenols, may be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes: Antioxidants may help reduce the type of stress that can prevent sugar from properly entering cells. In lab studies, fenugreek microgreens appeared to enhance cellular sugar uptake by 25–44%.
Certain cancers: Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in polyphenols, may lower the risk of various types of cancer. Polyphenol-rich microgreens may be expected to have similar effects.
Learn more about growing Microgreens from On The Grow! www.onthegrow.net
Or check out their YouTube onthegrow Channel
Check out the Pink Ribbon Garden program here.
Researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) completed a study to determine the level of nutrients in microgreens compared to their mature counterparts. Read more about the study here.
You can find more Microgreen health and nutrient information here.