Nutrition is major problem in our country. According to research by Idaho State University, in the past 15 years there has been a drop of nearly 50% in the amount of vegetables eaten by children ages 1-10. Further, research shows that only 2% of high-school age youth eat enough vegetables. However, there is an easy and cheap way to improve your nutrition that anyone can do at home!
How Microgreens Can Improve Your Health
Microgreens are an easy way to improve nutrition in your diet as they are packed with vitamins, and you can grow them at home very easily. Microgreens contain a 4-40% higher concentration of most micronutrients when compared with the mature, fully grown vegetable or herb. The USDA posted an article in 2014 that showed in their research that microgreens contained considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids—about five times greater—than their mature plant counterparts.
So What Are Microgreens?
Simply put, microgreens are the early leaves and stems of growing vegetable/herb plants. The seedlings are anywhere from seven to 14 days old and usually 1 to 3 inches tall. Pretty much any type of herb or vegetable can be grown as a microgreen.
Are The Seeds Different Than a Normal Vegetable Seed?
This is a common question and one I had when I first started growing them. The short answer is, no, the seeds are genetically the same. However, regular seeds are designed to grow into full mature plants and microgreens are designed to harvest much quicker. Theoretically, if you let the microgreen grow longer than designed it would grow into a normal size plant given the right growing conditions. If you go to buy seeds, you might find that there are seeds labeled purely as microgreens. That is because these are typically seeds that can germinate and sprout rather quickly. They cost a little more than a normal bag of seeds, but when comparing to just buying plants at the home improvement store, they are a cheap way to improve your nutrition.
How do I grow microgreens? It’s easy to do.
Microgreens are easy to grow in a few steps:
1) First you need seeds!
I’ve grown everything from salad mixes, broccoli, radishes to peas. Below I’ve shown some I bought recently, The salad mix, consisting of kohlrabi, kale, arugula, broccoli and spinach was purchased from True Leaf Market. They have an excellent selection and are a great resource if you are just starting out.
2) Determine growing trays you will use
This doesn’t have to be hard, you can select anything really from plastic cups, to takeout containers, really anything for the most part will work. Or you can use these trays I bought from Gardener’s Supply Co. I really like these because one tray has little slots on the bottom and it sits in another tray that is solid. The idea is you fill up the bottom solid tray with water and the one with slots with your growing medium. This allows the soil to say moist as well as the roots once they start to grow the opportunity to get down into the water. If you’re not into these, check out our review of some of the top trays to use.
3) Pick your growing medium
This is more important. If using dirt, make sure and pick a good seed starting mix, preferably organic. You can find these at most major home improvement centers as well as Wal-marts too. I have used different kinds, such as Burpee. You can also use other mediums such as coconut coir sheets. I tried and didn’t have as much luck to be honest. They definitely work but just wasn’t my thing.
4) Prepare bed and seed
Spread the soil until its around an inch below the top of the tray. Then, the cool things with microgreens is you don’t need to be careful about spreading seed. Just cover the dirt with them evenly and you are good. Then spray evenly with water so they are well saturated. After just a few days, you will start to see sprouts, it really happens fast!
5) Light Source
Once sprouts are all consistent and standing up (typically the sprouts will have a yellowish tint) its time to get them under light. If you have a good windowsill that will work, or place to put them outside (assuming weather is fairly warm and calm) then do that. Otherwise, you can invest in a cheap grow light. That is what I use and they work great.
6) Time to Harvest
It depends on the seed you are growing, but in this particular case, I did half broccoli and half salad mix and it took one week to grow. While I had a few bare spots, look at how big these got! You will know when it is time to harvest, the best time is when you start to see the “true leaf” of each plant.
What Can I Grow?
Pretty much any vegetable or herb you can think of you can usually get in a microgreen form. But, more commonly the ones that tend to sprout the quickest are the most common ones. broccoli, arugula, salad mixes, peas, radishes, carrots, etc. My favorite place to buy them is from True Leaf Market.
How Do I Eat Them?
You can eat them raw or cook lightly in a healthy oil like extra virgin olive oil. My wife and I like to mix them in bigger salads, put them on sprouted toast with avocado and fried egg. Talk about a nutrition packed breakfast!
Microgreens as a Side Business
So you might not be convinced in the value of microgreens for you, or maybe you dont really care for them. Even so, there are people who grow them and actually start a business by selling them. I had no idea this was a thing until I started growing them for myself and came across a few individuals online that had been doing it.
Are Microgreens Profitable?
Microgreens profitability is a topic that has sparked interest among many aspiring growers. In recent years, these tiny, nutrient-packed plants have gained popularity among chefs, health enthusiasts, and home gardeners alike. But the question remains, are microgreens profitable as a business venture?
The answer is both simple and complex – it depends. Success in the microgreens business relies on various factors such as education, planning, and marketing. To make a microgreens venture profitable, it is essential to learn the ins and outs of the industry, understand the costs involved, and create a well-rounded business plan.
One of the most crucial aspects of microgreens profitability is understanding the market. Identifying target customers and tailoring products to meet their needs is vital for long-term success. Additionally, a comprehensive marketing strategy is necessary to ensure that potential buyers are aware of the unique benefits that microgreens offer.
In conclusion, the microgreens business can be a profitable endeavor, provided that individuals invest time and effort into learning the industry, carefully planning their operations, and marketing their products effectively.
How Profitable Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, and many people are starting to grow them as a business venture. However, the question remains: are microgreens profitable? The answer is not so straightforward, as several factors can affect the profitability of microgreens. In this article, we will explore the following:
- Factors Affecting Profitability
- Sales and Marketing Strategies
- Cost of Production vs. Revenue
Factors Affecting Profitability
The profitability of microgreens can be affected by several factors, including:
- The type of microgreen grown
- The growing method used
- The level of demand in the market
- The price of the microgreens
- The cost of production
It is essential to consider these factors when starting a microgreens business to ensure profitability.
Sales and Marketing Strategies
Effective sales and marketing strategies are crucial to the success and profitability of a microgreens business. Some useful strategies to consider include:
- Identifying and targeting your ideal customer base
- Creating a strong brand identity
- Establishing a strong online presence through social media and a website
- Networking with other local businesses and farmers markets
- Providing excellent customer service to ensure repeat sales
By implementing effective sales and marketing strategies, you can increase demand for your microgreens and boost profitability.
Cost of Production vs. Revenue
Calculating the cost of production is vital to determine the profitability of a microgreens business. Some factors to consider when calculating the cost of production include:
- Seed costs
- Growing medium costs
- Labor costs
- Utility costs
- Equipment costs
Once you have determined the cost of production, you can compare it to your revenue to determine your profitability. It is essential to price your microgreens competitively to ensure repeat sales and maximize profitability.
In conclusion, the profitability of microgreens depends on several factors, including the type of microgreen grown, the growing method used, the level of demand in the market, the price of the microgreens, and the cost of production. By implementing effective sales and marketing strategies and calculating the cost of production, you can increase profitability and grow a successful microgreens business.
Success Stories of Microgreens Business
Microgreens are gaining popularity in the food industry, and more and more businesses are looking to profit from this trend. Here are two success stories of microgreens businesses that have achieved great success:
Case Study 1: Fresh Impact Farms
Fresh Impact Farms is a microgreens business based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They specialize in growing and selling a variety of microgreens, including broccoli, radish, and sunflower.
What sets Fresh Impact Farms apart is their unique business model. They have converted an old shipping container into a vertical farm, allowing them to grow microgreens year-round. This not only ensures a consistent supply of fresh microgreens but also reduces their overhead costs.
Fresh Impact Farms has partnered with several local restaurants and grocery stores, and their microgreens are also available for purchase on their website. Their business has grown steadily over the years, and they have plans to expand to other cities in the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about Fresh Impact Farms, check out their website.
Case Study 2: Goody’s Greens
Goody’s Greens is a microgreens business based in Portland, Oregon. They offer a wide variety of microgreens, including arugula, beet, and mustard.
What makes Goody’s Greens unique is their focus on sustainability. They use organic growing methods and recycle all of their growing materials. They also use a delivery system that minimizes their carbon footprint.
Goody’s Greens has partnered with several local restaurants and grocery stores, and they also offer a weekly subscription service for individuals. Their business has grown rapidly over the years, and they have plans to expand to other cities in the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about Goody’s Greens, check out their website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a microgreens business can be profitable if you approach it with the right mindset and knowledge. It’s important to educate yourself on how to grow and manage microgreens at a larger scale, as well as to understand food safety training and local business licensing and zoning bylaws. Creating a team, making a business plan, understanding your operational and overhead costs, pricing your products, and marketing them are also crucial factors to keep in mind. It’s important to remember that growing microgreens for yourself is different from growing them for sale to the public, and there are many things to consider. By following these 15 tips, you can increase your chances of running a successful and profitable microgreens business.
https://www.isu.edu/media/libraries/rural-health/microgreens/Microgreen-Nutritional-Profile.pdf,
