How to Preserve Microgreens – Important Tips You Need to Know About Microgreens
How to preserve microgreens is an interesting question. If someone has grown their own microgreens they most likely know how to preserve them. How does one go about this? There are basically two ways to harvest fresh micro greens; from seed or from a cut seed. Of the two methods, we will talk about planting microgreens and harvesting them.
Planting microgreens can be done from seed or cut seed. It all depends on the microgreens growing conditions, but seed hulls are definitely easier to work with than cut seed hulls. In order to get started planting seeds, it is best to purchase an inexpensive starter plant and make sure you plant it in good soil. Then after that just spread some medium or light fertilizer over the seed hulls. Water the plant well and place it somewhere where it will have at least four hours of direct sunlight. The next day you should have healthy growing plants.
Harvesting from cut microgreens can be much easier than planting seeds. In this method, the growing medium is moistened with water and the bottom of the cutting is removed. The piece of fruit remains on top of the moist media. This works best if the microgreen growing medium has been soaked in water before use. A rotary vacuum can be used to quickly move the piece of fruit from the surface of the media to the pot in order to harvest it.
Another easy way of preserving microgreens is to use them in soups and sauces. These methods are especially great for those who do not have the time to sit on their gardens and grow their own vegetables. For example, if someone wants to make a kale soup recipe using microgreens they can easily do so. Microgreens will absorb up to 40% of their weight in water, making them ideal ingredients for soups and sauces. They are also a great addition to vegetable dishes that contain cream or butter since they are high in fat and acidity.
Drying microgreens is another method for how to preserve them. When drying them the right process is essential. Since microgreens are highly porous, they will tend to absorb everything that falls into their surface. For this reason, it is important that they are placed in a pan with no liquid until they are completely dry. Some drying processes include placing them in a salad server or oven until they are completely dry.
How to preserve them can also be accomplished by using the peel method. To do this, dry the slices entirely before you are ready to use them. Peel the slices on an angle about one inch below the surface. Using a knife, gently peel off the green skin leaving the white skin intact.
In order to make the slices safe to eat, how to preserve microgreens is also done using the cold process. This process involves removing the slices from their packaging and placing them in a pot of cold water. Cold water kills any enzymes in the microgreens and will prevent mold from forming.
How to preserve microgreens can take some time depending on what was used. Some people have found the best way is to use them in a salad. Diced up microgreens can be sprinkled on top of salad greens or even on top of roasted vegetables. You may also add them to a vinaigrette or cream sauce. As they may look dark when they are freshly cut, they will brighten up in time and provide a tasty treat for your family.
Another easy step in how to preserve microgreens is to slice them into quarter-inch pieces. These small pieces can then be placed in individual packages. For a more attractive presentation, you can use them on a cookie sheet or sliced bread. If your microgreen slices are fragile, you can cover them with plastic wrap. Store them in a cool and dry place. Microgreens do not last long and will need to be used quickly if you want to keep them fresh.
Making a baked good is a great way to show off your microgreens. The good side-effect of this method of making baked goods is that you will not waste your production. Since baking microgreens takes only a few minutes of your time, it is an inexpensive method for making a tasty treat. It will save you money over the long run since making baked treats will not go out of style.
Now that you know the three simple steps in how to preserve microgreens, you can start experimenting. Try different methods to see which one you like the best. Remember that microgreens do not spoil so try to eat them within the first day of preserving them. This will ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of preserving vegetables.