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Microgreens have captured the attention of health-conscious individuals and culinary enthusiasts alike. While growing microgreens is easily accessible, mastering the art of growing them consistently in great quality is much more challenging. In this post we will explain the details of when to harvest microgreens, exploring popular varieties, growth timelines, and key indicators signalling readiness for harvest.
Understanding Microgreen Growth:
Microgreens are the young, tender shoots of vegetables and herbs, harvested at an early stage of growth, typically after the first true leaves appear. Despite their small size, microgreens boast concentrated flavours and high nutritional density, making them a staple in salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
Popular Microgreen Varieties Growth Timelines:
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular microgreen varieties and their growth timelines:
| Microgreen Variety | Average Time to Harvest | Key Harvest Indicators |
| Broccoli | 7 – 14 days | First true leaves start to emerge |
| Radish Daikon | 5 – 10 days | Cotyledons unfold, true leaves appear |
| Pea Shoots | 7 – 14 days | Develops tendrils |
| Sunflower | 7 – 12 days | Before the 1st true leaves unfurl |
| Arugula | 8 – 12 days | Leaves elongate & develop texture |
| Red Cabbage | 8 – 12 days | Before the 1st true leaves unfurl |
| Cilantro | 21 – 30 days | Develops true leave & strong fragrance |
| Basil Genovese | 20 – 25 days | True leaves appear, aroma intensifies |
| Green Mustard | 7 – 10 days | True leaves start to emerge |
| Wheatgrass | 9 – 11 days | Blades develop, standing strong & upright |
Key Harvest Indicators:
1. Appearance of True Leaves: Monitor the microgreens for the emergence of true leaves, this indicates maturity and flavour development. Bare in mind with some varieties, especially sunflowers, the microgreen needs to be harvested before the true leaves emerge.
2. Height and Texture: Microgreens should have reached a desirable height and texture, offering a delicate yet robust structure. Certain microgreens, including Basil Genovese, and Cilantro, benefit from growing up to 1 month to be able to develop their rich flavour.
3. Vibrant Colour: Look for vibrant, rich colours in the leaves, this signals optimal nutrient content and flavour. This is particularly relevant for Red Cabbage, Purple Basil, and Red Amaranth.
4. Taste Testing: Make sure you are sampling a few microgreens at different stages of growth to better understand their flavour profile and readiness for harvest based on your preference.
Harvesting Techniques:
When it come to harvesting microgreens, make sure you use clean, sharp scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just above the soil level. Handle the delicate greens with care to preserve their freshness and integrity. After harvest, you can rinse the microgreens gently to remove any residual soil, and pat them dry before storing them in an air tight container.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and can apply some of the knowledge to your next microgreen harvest. Remember, by understanding your growth timelines and key indicators, you can elevate your microgreen harvesting to the next level.
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The Greens Bali Team
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