- August 25, 2025
- 4:34 pm
What Are Microgreens? Varieties, Benefits, Uses & Growing Guide
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If you’ve scrolled through food reels or stepped into a modern cafe in Indore, you may have noticed tiny green leaves decorating everything from sandwiches to smoothies. These little greens are called microgreens, and they’re more than just garnish.
At HavitGreens, we call them Microns: fresh, locally grown microgreens built for Indian kitchens. They aren’t just trendy; they’re one of the simplest ways to make everyday food healthier, tastier, and more beautiful.
This guide will answer the question: What are microgreens? their types, benefits, how to grow microgreens at home, and why they’re becoming a promising microgreens business in Indore and beyond.
What Are Microgreens (Microns)?
In simple terms, microgreens are the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just 7–14 days after germination. They’re cut above the roots, grown in soil or cocopeat, and eaten fresh.
Unlike sprouts, microgreens are grown in light, making them safer, tastier, and more nutrient-rich.
Popular microgreens types include:
- Broccoli microgreens → mild flavor, high in sulforaphane
- Radish microgreens → peppery and sharp
- Sunflower microgreens → crunchy and nutty
- Mustard microgreens → spicy kick
- Basil & Coriander microgreens → aromatic and flavorful
If you’re wondering what is microgreens good for?
Answer: nutrient density, flavor, and health.
Microgreens Benefits: Tiny Plants, Giant Nutrition
So, why should anyone care about these tiny greens? Because they’re nutrient powerhouses.
- A USDA study shows microgreens can contain 4–40× more nutrients than mature plant
- Radish microgreens are rich in Vitamin C and add natural spice.
- Broccoli microgreens carry 10–100× more sulforaphane, linked to immunity and detox.
- Red cabbage microgreens may contain 6× more Vitamin C than fully grown cabbage.
Takeaway: The benefits of microgreens include better immunity, improved digestion, heart health, and glowing skin: all in a small handful.
Types of Microgreens: What to Try First
If you’re starting your microgreens journey, here’s a simple microgreens list to experiment with:
- Radish microgreens → fast-growing, peppery (great on poha & parathas)
- Sunflower microgreens → nutty, kid-friendly (sandwiches, rolls)
- Broccoli microgreens → mild, versatile (dal, curries, paneer)
- Mustard microgreens → spicy (good for curries & upma)
- Coriander microgreens → familiar, aromatic (biryani, chaats)
Each type brings its own taste and nutrient profile, making microgreens easy to fit into everyday meals.
Microgreens in Indian Kitchens
Food in India is emotional — it’s not just about nutrition, but about comfort and culture. The beauty of microgreens is how easily they blend into dishes we already love:
- In Indore, chefs garnish poha with radish microgreens for freshness.
- In Mumbai, sunflower microgreens are added to masala omelets.
- In Delhi, wellness cafés mix spinach microgreens into smoothies.
- Families sprinkle broccoli microgreens on dal tadka and butter paneer.
Takeaway: Microgreens don’t replace Indian food traditions – they enhance them
How to Grow Microgreens at Home
If you’ve ever searched how to grow microgreens at home, here’s your quick guide:
You’ll need:
- Seeds (broccoli, radish, mustard, sunflower)
- A shallow tray
- Coconut coir or potting soil
- Spray bottle
Steps:
- Fill tray with moistened coir/soil.
- Scatter seeds evenly (not overcrowded).
- Mist and cover for 2 days (dark phase).
- Place in sunlight/bright window when sprouts appear.
- Mist daily.
- Harvest in 10–14 days (when 2–3 inches tall).
Tip: Start new trays every 3–4 days for a constant supply.
Takeaway: Microgreens farming at home is affordable, simple, and a great family activity.
Microgreens Farming: A Growing Business in India
Beyond homes, microgreens farming is becoming a profitable venture. With rising demand in restaurants, cafés, and health-conscious households, small urban farms are sprouting across India.
In Indore, local growers are building a niche by supplying fresh trays daily. It’s a low-investment, high-return business: often called the “startup crop” because it requires little land and grows in just two weeks.
For entrepreneurs, a microgreens business in Indore means:
- Supplying restaurants and hotels (who want fresh garnish daily).
- Selling subscription packs to households.
- Offering DIY growing kits for families.
Takeaway: Microgreens are not only healthy food but also an emerging business opportunity in India.
Storage & Shelf Life
Fresh microgreens are delicate, so storing them right is important:
- Refrigerate immediately in airtight containers.
- Shelf life: 5–7 days (best consumed in 3–4 days).
- Always dry them before packing.
Treat them like fresh coriander: gentle, cool, and dry.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Habit for a Healthier Future
Microns may be tiny, but they carry a big message: eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.
In India, where food is culture, adding microgreens is like adding care: a small touch that says “I want my family to be healthier, without losing the taste of tradition.”
Whether you grow them at home, start your own microgreens farming business, or order fresh trays from local growers like HavitGreens, the point is to make them part of your daily meals.
Curious? Order fresh Microns in Indore – DM us at @havit_greens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are Microns the same as sprouts?
No. Sprouts grow in water and are eaten with roots. Microns grow in soil or medium, harvested above the root: safer, tastier, and easier to digest.
Q2. How long do Microns last?
5–7 days in the fridge in airtight packs. Best within 3 days.
Q3. Can I grow them without sunlight?
Yes. A bright window or LED grow light is enough.
Q4. Do they taste bitter?
No. Each type has its own flavor: radish = peppery, sunflower = nutty, broccoli = mild.
Q5. Where can I buy fresh Microns?
From local growers like HavitGreens.