Microgreens vs. Sprouts: What’s the Difference? 

People often use the terms sprouts and microgreens interchangeably. And why not—there are clover sprouts  and clover microgreens. Aren’t they the same? Maybe microgreens are a trendy way to charge more for the  same thing. 

Is there a difference between sprouts and microgreens? Yes, there is a difference. Basically, sprouts and  microgreens are the same seed at different stages of development. They look different, taste different,  and are grown differently. 

Both sprouts and microgreens are super nutritious baby plants. That doesn’t mean they are identical. We will  explore their differences in the rest of the article. 

What Are The Similarities Between Sprouts and  Microgreens? 

As I mentioned, many people use the terms sprouts and microgreens interchangeably. While they are two  different things, they do have many things in common. For one thing, they are both grown from the same  seeds, and they both require water to get the germination process started.

One potential problem with working with sprouts or microgreens is that they are both susceptible to mold if  gardeners are not careful. For more information about safely growing sprouts and microgreens, watch the  video below. 

Another similarity between the two is that they can both be pre-soaked before the process. And finally, they are  both super nutritious. 

What Are the Differences? 

 

It is quite obvious that people could mix up the two terms because sprouts and microgreens are very similar.  However, their significant differences are important to know. 

• Microgreens are generally more expensive than sprouts to purchase. 
• Microgreens contain more fiber than sprouts. 
• Over 100 different types of microgreens exist, while sprouts are more limited. 
• Microgreens can be used in soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and various other dishes. They  can be used as a garnish too. Sprouts are excellent for adding to stir-fry or to any dish to add a little crunch. 
• Microgreens require proper air ventilation, while sprouts do not. 
• Microgreens require light or photosynthesis to grow. Sprouts don’t need light. 
• Eating raw microgreens is not as risky as eating raw sprouts. 
• Microgreens are even more nutritious than sprouts. 
• You cut off microgreens above the soil level. And with microgreens, only the stem and leaves are  eaten. Sprouts are eaten entirely, including seed leaves, stem, root, and seed. 
• Microgreens form true leaves. Sprouts don’t form true leaves. They instead form cotyledon or seed  leaves. 
• Microgreens are usually grown in soil, although they can also be grown hydroponically. Sprouts are  only grown hydroponically. 
• Microgreens are taller. They usually measure four to seven inches. Sprouts are considerably  shorter. They generally only measure two or three inches. 
• Microgreens are harvested in 7 to 14 days, while sprouts are harvested in just three to five days. Learn more about the differences and how to grow sprouts and microgreens by watching the video below.

What Exactly Are Sprouts? 

Sprouts and microgreens are different versions of the same plant at different stages of their development. They  are both very young and tender plants that are used as a garnish or added to salads and smoothies for extra  nutrition. And while the terms sprouts and microgreens are often used interchangeably, they are two different  things. 

Sprouts are younger than microgreens. And they are precisely what the name suggests, seeds that have  germinated. Sprouts come in different colors, and some don’t have much color to them at all. When it comes to  sprouts, you eat the entire plant, including the seed, roots, and shoots. 

Here are some of the most popular sprouts: 

Alfalfa Green Sprouts 

Alfalfa sprouts are very popular, mostly because they’re super healthy. They contain plenty of vitamins K, A, E,  and D. Alfalfa sprouts are often added to salads and sandwiches. If you eat them when they are yellow, you’ll  get a fresh sweet flavor. They are equally delicious if you let them mature until they’re green. 

Read more about alfalfa sprouts from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Broccoli Sprouts 

Broccoli sprouts are another excellent option. These sprouts are loaded with antioxidants. They offer some  great flavor. Broccoli sprouts have a mild spicy taste. They also add a touch of red color to the plate.  

Clover Sprouts

Clover sprouts are very similar to alfalfa sprouts. They are sweet and crisp, and they make excellent additions  to sandwiches and salads. Clover sprouts are also packed with proteins, iron, potassium, and calcium. 

Mung Bean Sprouts 

Mung bean sprouts have also become very popular in recent years. They originated in Asia, but now they can  be found everywhere. Mung bean sprouts are low calorie and high fiber. And they offer a slightly nutty flavor. 

These sprouts are delicious additions to stir-fried dishes. They’re also great in salads. 

Wheat Sprouts 

Wheat sprouts are really great for juicing. If they are left to sprout for three days, they are sweet. They can also  be left untouched for a week to produce super-nutritious one-inch grass. Toss it in the juicer along with fruit or  veggies. 

Radish Sprouts 

Radish sprouts are another excellent option. They are loaded with vitamins C and A, and they add a spicy  flavor to salads and sandwiches. 

Soybean Sprouts 

Gardeners who are looking for sprouts that are great for cooking should try soybean sprouts. They are very  high in both fiber and protein and they make tasty additions to casseroles and stews. 

Mustard Sprouts 

At first glance, mustard sprouts and alfalfa sprouts can be easily confused. But be careful because the leaves  of mustard sprouts are hot and spicy! They taste great when added to egg dishes or salads. 

Green Lentil Sprouts 

Green lentil sprouts are another sprout that is good for cooking. Try adding them to soups. Green lentil sprouts  are around 25 percent protein. In addition to cooking with them, they can be eaten raw too. 

Onion Sprouts 

One taste of these sprouts, and there is no mistaking where they come from. They offer a distinct onion flavor.  And they are loaded with vitamins A, D, and C. Onion sprouts make excellent additions to salads and  sandwiches. 

Sunflower Sprouts 

Sunflower sprouts are another one that’s great for the juicer machine. They are packed with vitamin D and  offer a nutty flavor. Raw, they have a nice crispy texture. 

Sprouts can be excellent additions to many dishes. They’re not too hard to grow either. They can be grown in a  simple sterilized jar. Just cover them with a couple of inches of water and a food-grade cloth. 

Read here from the University of Florida to learn more about growing sprouts at home. 

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are  children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame  when they contend with their opponents in court. 

Psalm 127:3-5

Sprouts Are Super Foods 

In 1997, researchers from Johns Hopkins University made some incredible discoveries about the nutritional  value of sprouts. They found that broccoli sprouts contained significant amounts of a substance known as  glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin is a precursor to the detoxifying antioxidant and cancer-inhibiting isothiocyanate  called SGS (sulforaphane). 

One study found that broccoli sprouts can even be used to manage and help fight schizophrenia! 

As we’ve been discussing, sprouts have many incredible health benefits. Experts say that there are far more  enzymes in sprouts than in the majority of raw vegetables and fruits. 

The enzymes are essential because they are unique kinds of protein that act as catalysts for your body’s  functions. By extracting more minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and amino acids from the foods that we  eat, we ensure that our bodies have the nutritional building blocks that we need for life. 

In the soaking and sprouting process, the nutritional value is improved, and the quality of protein in grains,  nuts, seeds, and beans increases. Lysine, the amino acid that prevents cold sores and helps to maintain a  healthy immune system, also significantly increases during the sprouting process. 

And that’s not all. 

It’s also a major benefit that the fiber content of grains, seeds, nuts, and beans increases significantly during  the sprouting process. That added fiber helps with weight loss. It also binds to toxins and fats in the body and  sweeps them out quickly before they can be absorbed through the bloodstream and intestinal walls. 

Another thing that increases during the sprouting process is essential fatty acids. Many people lack these  essential fats that aid in fat burning. This is because we don’t get enough of them in our modern diets. 

On top of all of that, the vitamin content also increases dramatically. This is undoubtedly the case with vitamins  E, C, A, and B-complex.  

Researchers have found that “The vitamin content of some seeds, grains, beans, or nuts increases by up to 20  times the original value within only a few days of sprouting. Research shows that during the sprouting  process, beansprouts increase in vitamin B1 by up to 285 percent, vitamin B2 by up to 515 percent, and niacin  by up to 256 percent.” 

Potential Health Risks with Sprouts 

With all of the extraordinary health benefits of eating sprouts, some health risks are also a concern. Sprouting  could cause food poisoning. The key is sanitation. Often the result of bad seeds is contamination with E. coli  and Salmonella. 

Sprouts that are sold commercially must go through stringent sanitation standards. However, even with these  high standards, several outbreaks of illness caused by sprouts have occurred. 

Growing sprouts at home doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be safer. Often it’s the seed that is the source of  infection. For this reason, it is crucial to buy seeds that are sold specifically for sprouting. Seeds sold for  sprouting are tested for the presence of microorganisms. 

It’s also vital that you keep the sprouts away from areas where food is prepared. Keep sprouts away from  animals too. It’s also important to make sure to wash hands thoroughly before setting up a sprouting  process. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

“The warm, humid conditions needed to grow sprouts are also ideal for germs to grow. Eating raw or lightly  cooked sprouts, such as alfalfa, bean, or any other sprout may lead to food poisoning from Salmonella, E. coli,  or Listeria. Thoroughly cooking sprouts kills the harmful germs and reduces the chance of food poisoning.” 

And What Are Microgreens? 

As mentioned earlier, sprouts are the youngest plant. Well, microgreens are the next size up. The cotyledons  are the first leaf-like structures that come from a seedling. Each seedling will have one or two  cotyledons. Usually, they are not the same shape as the leaves that form on a mature plant. 

The cotyledons also come in different colors. Often you will see them in red or purple. Microgreens are ready  to eat when the first true leaf emerges. These true leaves develop after the cotyledons. 

Many edible plants make excellent microgreens. That even includes plants not generally known for edible  greens, like carrots. One plant that does not make a good microgreen is lettuce. Lettuce seeds are just too  delicate. 

Some of the most popular microgreens include: 

Alfalfa 

Their large, deep-green leaves can identify alfalfa microgreens. These microgreens offer a mild flavor. They  are excellent for added nutrition and crunch to a sandwich or salad. 

Beet 

Detroit Dark Red Beet microgreens are another excellent option. They have a subtle earthy flavor. When  harvesting these microgreens, make sure to cut very close to the soil line. This way some of that beautiful red  stem is saved. Create a beautiful and tasty treat by adding them to hummus toast. 

Buckwheat 

Another microgreen worth a try is buckwheat. Buckwheat microgreens have a tangy flavor and they are pale  green in color. Buckwheat is an excellent gluten-free option. Eat them by the handful as a delicious snack all  on their own. Buckwheat microgreens are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Clover 

Clover microgreens feature green leaves, and they have a mild fresh flavor. The younger the clover  microgreen is, the sweeter it will be. Sprinkle them on a salad for a flavor-packed crunch. Clover microgreens  are also loaded with zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. 

Collards 

Collards microgreens have the same delicious flavor as adult collards, but they have a whole lot more intensity.  They are dark green in color. And they give a tasty kick to salads or can be used as a garnish. Martha Stewart  offers an incredible recipe for spaghetti with collard greens and lemon. The collards microgreens make it even  better! 

Kale 

Kale is another microgreen that is great. They are green in color and have a flavor that resembles that of  romaine and red leaf lettuces. This makes them ideal for a microgreens salad. Also use them in smoothies. 

Chard and kale are also high in an antioxidant that protects skin and eyes called lutein. They’re also full of  zeaxanthin. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation and MIT, they will decrease the  chances of getting Macular Degeneration. 

Kohlrabi 

Another very popular microgreen that should be considered is kohlrabi. This microgreen features a white stem  and green leaves. Their flavor is mild and cabbage-like. And they taste great when added to slaw, salads or  sandwiches. 

Pea 

Pea microgreens are another excellent option. They offer several times more vitamin C than blueberries and a  lot more folic acid than even bean sprouts. Pea shoot microgreens make a delicious addition to a strawberry  salad or they can be mixed with pickled onion and radishes. 

Radish 

For a pleasant peppery taste, try radish microgreens. They contain healthy amounts of B6 and folate. To really  give the taste buds a treat, try adding them to a salad with watermelon and avocado. 

Sunflower 

Sunflower shoots are known for their essential amino acid properties. They offer a delightful crunch and they  are loaded with selenium, folate, B complex, and vitamins E and C. Add them to a salad or sandwich. They  taste fabulous when paired with a creamy vinaigrette.

Microgreens are Even Healthier Than Sprouts! We’ve already discussed the incredible health benefits of sprouts. Well, believe it or not, microgreens  are even more nutritious than sprouts! 

Microgreens are also more nutritious than their fully-grown counterparts. In fact, microgreens can offer 40  percent more nutrition! Take arugula microgreens, for example. Adult arugula provides 15 mg of vitamin C,  but arugula microgreens have a fantastic 45.8 mg of vitamin C. 

Beyond their extraordinary health benefits, microgreens also taste great. For more information about  increasing the flavor of microgreens, read here. 

Microgreens grow differently 

As we have discussed, sprouts are grown in water and are ready for harvest in about a week. Microgreens  grow differently. They are grown in soil and are typically ready for harvest in about two weeks. 

It’s important to note that there is no such thing as a microgreen seed. The truth is, just about any seed can  grow microgreens. One of the ways that we qualify good microgreen seeds is by how the cotyledons, or the  baby leaves, taste. 

For example, cantaloupe microgreens taste terrible. Because of that, they would be a poor choice of seeds.  Fortunately, many delicious microgreens are out there to choose from, including the ones that we’ve already  gone over. 

To learn more about growing microgreens, read this article from PennState Extension. 

The Bottom Line 

The bottom line is that both sprouts and microgreens are super nutritious. They are a true gift from nature and  a healthy part of God’s design. 

Sprouts and microgreens represent different stages of development of the same seed, but they also have  many distinct differences. They look different, taste different, and grow differently.  

Growing sprouts and microgreens are the ultimate in-home organic gardening. They are easy to grow, they  take very little time, and they don’t cost much money. On top of that, they taste great! There’s also no denying  their incredible health benefits. 

What are you waiting for? Let’s get growing! 

If you are interested in getting started with microgreens or are looking for a reliable online store for seeds and  supplies at a great price, check out our affiliate at True Leaf Market.

Microgreens

WHAT ARE MICROGREENS?

Microgreens are really just baby plants. Many of the veggies you already know and eat can be used to grow  microgreens. If you harvest & consume the leaves of the plant, it can be grown and eaten as a microgreen.

MICROGREENS VS SPROUTS

Sprouts are germinated seeds. Often, the sprouts are harvested and consumed seed, stem, cotyledons, and all.  Because the seeds are consumed with sprouts, they are more likely to have bacterial contamination. Care  should be taken when growing and eating sprouts.

Microgreens are a few days older than sprouts growing to about 2 inches tall. Microgreens will have  erect stems and either one or 2 sets of leaves. They are either cut off at ground level or they are pulled  up by their roots.

MICROGREENS VS BABY GREENS AND SHOOTS

Baby greens and shoots are harvested from plants that are a little older than microgreens. There will be more  than one set of true leaves and the plants are 3 inches or larger in size.

While both baby greens and shoots are harvested at the same stage of growth, baby greens are usually harvested  for the leaves whereas shoots are harvested with the leaves and stem.

Compared to baby greens, microgreens will be smaller and more immature.

Please note that there is no “official” definition of these terms. I’m just explaining them as I see them used most  often. But you may see them used in different ways or interchangeably.

MICROGREENS NUTRITION

There are some studies¹ which demonstrate that the nutrient density of microgreens is substantially higher than  the adult plant. This is really exciting because it is scientific proof that you can grow healthier food in your  house than you can buy in the grocery store!

Plus, microgreens are ready to harvest in 1-2 weeks so you can have a continuous supply of healthy ingredients  simply by starting a new tray of microgreens on your kitchen counter every couple of weeks.

MICROGREENS KITS

You’ll need a few supplies to start growing microgreens indoors, but you can use some things you may already  have at home:

• Shallow container – microgreens don’t need a lot of soil. 1-2 inches deep is plenty. The length and width of your container are totally up to you. If you don’t want to purchase trays, you can use anything from takeout containers to pie tins or baking dishes for this.
• Lid or cover for your container – You’ll keep the seeds covered for the first few days. You need something to trap heat and moisture, but you also want them to be in the dark for a few days. If you don’t have a lid, try loosely covering with plastic wrap. To block light, you can use a cardboard box.
• Growing medium – Soil or compost, coconut coir, vermiculite, perlite, or hydroponic pad • Seeds – you can choose from many different types of seeds. Use what you already have or try a mixture of different types of seeds. If you’re using seed packs, you will need 100 or more seeds. Microgreens seeds are usually sold in ounces or pounds.
• Sprayer – you won’t be watering your microgreen seedlings, you’ll be misting them with a spray bottle.
• Water – tap water CAN be the source of problems growing microgreens. This will be exaggerated if you’re using hydroponic setup. Chlorine in treated water can affect the taste and growth of your microgreens.
• Light – You can place your greens anywhere that gets several hours of indirect sunlight…like a bright window. Even though microgreens don’t need to be grown under grow lights, they’ll certainly do better with them.

MICROGREENS SEEDS

There is no difference between regular seeds and microgreens seeds, but you will need more than the usual  amount of seeds to grow microgreens. Shoot for an ounce or more.

Choosing which plants to use to grow microgreens is totally up to what you like to eat. Pretty much any edible  plant can be used to grow microgreens, but here are 26 of the most common microgreens. The asterisk the  indicates easiest microgreens to grow.

1. Lettuce*
2. Kale*
3. Arugula*
4. Bok/Pak Choi*
5. Broccoli*
6. Buckwheat*
7. Cabbage*
8. Cauliflower*
9. Chia*
10. Mustard greens*
11. Radish*
12. Sunflower*
13. Wheatgrass*
14. Turnip
15. Amaranth
16. Basil
17. Beets
18. Chard
19. Cilantro
20. Dill
21. Celery
22. Anise
23. Fennel
24. Leek
25. Cress
26. Oregano

HOW TO GROW MICROGREENS

Once you have everything you need, the steps to growing microgreens are very simple.

Step 1: fill your container with moist potting soil, hydro mat, or soilless mixture. You don’t want your growing  medium to be wet or soggy, you just want slightly moist.

Step 2: Spread your seeds in a thin layer over the top of your soil or soilless mixture. Try to cover the surface  as thickly and evenly as possible. You’ll want them planted quite densely. Press gently to seat them in the soil,  then mist them with water and cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.

Step 3: Cover your tray with a light blocking lid. In the first few days, you want to keep the seeds moist and  dark. The darkness encourages stretching so you get nice long stems for eating. Keep covered except to mist  twice daily with water for the first 3-5 days.

Step 4: Remove cover when all the seeds have sprouted. They’ll be pale and yellow, but their color will  improve once they get some light. Move to a location that gets light. This can be a window sill, your kitchen  counter, or under a grow light if you choose.

Step 5: Mist or water daily.

Step 6: Harvest your microgreens. Taste test often so you get an idea of the flavor, and when it tastes the best to  you. Most people decide to take them when they have developed their first set of true leaves – usually 7-14  days.

TROUBLESHOOTING MICROGREENS PROBLEMS

For the most part, growing microgreens indoors is very simple, but there are a few problems you may encounter.

• Stems are too long – not enough light or it’s too hot
• Mold/rot – can be caused by too much water, too thick seeds, pH of water is too high • Not sprouting or slowly growing – can be caused by too wet or too dry, too cold (stone countertops), pH of water is too high
• Wilting – seedlings are too dry or too hot
• Yellow leaves – can indicate that the pH of your water is too high, they’re not getting enough light, or they are lacking nutrients

WATERING MICROGREENS

Water plays a very important role in the growth and flavor of your microgreens. Chlorinated water can lead to  microgreens that taste like a swimming pool. If you find that’s the case, try filtering your water through a  charcoal filter before watering microgreens.

Most drinking water has a neutral pH of 7. But most veggies like a slightly more acidic environment. If you’re  using soil or compost to grow microgreens, then you probably won’t have to worry too much about the pH of  your water. But if you’re growing on a hydroponic grow matt, then the pH of your water has a much bigger  impact on the growth of microgreens.

To find out if your pH is causing you problems, simply dip a litmus strip in a cup of water to measure the pH. If  you find that the pH is too high, you’ll need to add an acidifying agent to get the pH down to 6.

Try a half teaspoon of lemon juice in one gallon of water and retest. Keep adding until you get the pH down.  Make note of how much lemon juice you had to add so you don’t have to retest every time you need more water.

WHEN TO HARVEST MICROGREENS

Microgreens are usually harvested when they are 2-3 inches tall and have two sets of leaves. But since you’re  growing microgreens indoors, you should taste one or two every couple of days to see if you like the better at a  certain stage.

To cut your microgreens, use clean sharp scissors and clip the stems as close to the soil/pad as possible. If you  want to pull them out by the roots, you can but you’ll have to rinse off any soil. Remove seed husks if still  present. Rinsing microgreens other than as needed to remove dirt is not recommended.

If you are not going to use your microgreens right away, you can store them in your refrigerator for a few days  to a week. Keep them in a damp paper towel wrapped with a layer plastic wrap. Don’t seal the ends of the  plastic wrap. You want it to trap moisture but make sure the microgreens still get oxygen.

HOW TO EAT MICROGREENS

Microgreens are best eaten fresh and used as a garnish. They add a fresh crunch of flavor that will mimic the  flavor of the mature plant. It’s super convenient to have them growing in your kitchen so you can harvest as you  plate your food.

Basil microgreens make a great addition to pasta salads, lettuce microgreens are great with fish. Try to think of  how the mature plant would taste with your recipe, the microgreens will add a similar flavor with a fresh  crunch.

Microgreens are very delicate and do not do well when heated. You should not try to cook the microgreens,  rather just sprinkle them like food confetti on your completed dishes.

Sprouts

Soaking

Soaking Chart for Different Nuts

Nuts have phytic acid. Phytic acid is also found in grains and legumes. Just as with grains and legumes,  soaking nuts is essential for proper digestions. When eating nuts that haven’t been soaked, the phytic acid  binds to minerals in the gastrointestinal tract and can not be absorbed in the intestines. By soaking, you are  breaking down the phytic acid so that it can be absorbed properly. Nuts also have high amounts of enzyme  inhibitors. This is another reason why un-soaked nuts are hard to digest. Soaking nuts can neutralize the  enzymes allowing for proper digestion.

The soaking process is the same for whatever type of nut or seed you choose. Timing varies slightly to  accommodate for differences in fat composition, size, texture, etc.

The process is to soak your nuts in filtered water for the appropriate time. Cover them, and place them in the  fridge for the amount of time needed.