Microgreens vs Sprouts: Let's Clear Up the Confusion
If I've heard it once, I've heard it 100 times since becoming an Urban Microgreens Farmer: "Are these just the same thing?" The debate of microgreens vs sprouts comes down to understanding that while they start from the same seed, they are vastly different in how they grow, look, and taste. Let's clear up the confusion by comparing them in 4 different ways.
How Microgreens vs Sprouts Are Grown
Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in a jar suspended in water and kept in a cool dark place. Typically they are harvested in 3 to 7 days, leaves, stems, and roots remain intact.
The Germination Stage
In contrast, microgreens are grown with a grow medium. The seeds are sown on the grow tray, watered, covered with another tray, then weighted down to simulate being planted in the ground. The seeds germinate in the dark and push their way against the weight. In 2 to 3 days roots are produced (sprout stage). Now the weight is removed and the cover tray is reversed to allow the plants to stretch and grow above the medium until the first leaves called cotyledons emerge. Once that happens, the top tray is removed and the grow tray is moved to the next cycle.
The Light Cycle
One of the most important differences between sprouts and microgreens is that microgreens require light. That single difference will become abundantly clear a little later. To mimic nature the light cycle is 12 to 18 hours of light with 6 to 12 hours of darkness depending on plant variety and farm elevation.
Peak Development & Harvest
This is the plant's peak nutritional development. In nature they would use all of the energy stored in those true leaves to grow the entire plant that produces its fruit and completes the growing cycle. Typically they are harvested 5 to 28 days once the first set of true leaves emerge. A microgreen is defined by cutting the stems above the grow medium leaving the roots and discarded stems behind.
Edible Parts: Microgreens vs. Sprouts
It is a known fact that we eat first with our eyes. Looking at the picture which one do you think looks more appetizing?
Again with me being technical 🤓... sprouts and microgreens are completely edible as they have been defined.
Microgreens are on the left side of the plate. They are vibrant. You can clearly see the stem and leaves of each individual plant. Their leaves and stems have been cleanly cut at the base of the stem with no trace of the roots. Sprouts are on the right side of the plate. It is plain to see they are more delicate in nature and are a jumbled mess with the roots, stems and leaves all attached.
The roots are missing from the microgreens. That is another one of the most important differences between sprouts and microgreens.
Flavor and Texture Differences
What do you want most when you take a bite of something? I want flavor and lots of it! Texture comes in second. I want a salty French fries with lots of crunch, but still soft on the the inside. No wimpy French fries for me 🍟 Wait, where did that come from? Back on the differences between sprouts and microgreens.
Sprouts are known for being crunchy with a mild flavor. Sometimes their flavor is nonexistent and why they are mostly used in salads or on sandwiches.
Microgreens are concentrated flavor. I mean they can pack a punch, especially if their fully developed fruit big brother is know for having bold flavor, the little leaves contain all of that concentrated flavor. That is why master chefs in 5 Star restaurants began using them as a garnish on their gourmet dishes.
Consumption Safety: Which Are More Risky?
Remember those most important differences singled out before? Well, here is where it gets real.
Did you know that sprouts have been classified by the FDA as a high-risk food? And the CDC includes raw alfalfa and bean sprouts among the foods most likely to cause food poisoning? 🤯 Yup you read that right! According to the FDA, since 1996, they have investigated over 50 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with contaminated sprouts, which resulted in more than 2,700 cases of illness.
The primary reason behind this is that the conditions in which sprouts are grown are ideal for bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli to breed.
Sprouts are supposed to be thoroughly rinsed 3 times daily! 🚿 Most people rarely rinse their bagged lettuce before using it. How likely are they to carve out time 3 times a day to go to the kitchen, get their sprouts out of the fridge, thoroughly rinse them in the sink, and put them back in the fridge? Would you remember to do so? Well, if you aren't, you are taking a big risk eating sprouts without doing so.
Microgreens are the safer option due to the conditions in which they are grown. In addition to the grow medium and light already mentioned, the grow space has to be well ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from forming in the densely growing plant canopy.
So now you have it. Sprouts and microgreens are not the same. I hope this cleared up the confusion.
Want to try fresh, hydroponically grown microgreens? Check out our grow-to-order varieties. https://www.tastylittleleaves.com/category/all-products
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The microgreens do look so beautiful :) great article
The micro greens are much more flavorful than sprouts!