Successfully growing microgreens is not difficult. The secret is in having the right approach and choosing the right plant. Broccoli microgreens happen to be one of the easiest plants to grow. In fact, this microgreen grows so quickly that it can be ready to eat in just 6 days!

Microgreens are harvested as soon as they have sprouted leaves off their shoots. This makes them visually very appealing and an excellent addition to almost any dish. But, the real benefit is their incredibly high nutritional content.

Microgreens are not as large as the more recognizable, full grown plant. But, research suggests that they can contain as much as 5 times the nutrients of a mature plant (1). Of course, the fresher they are the better the nutrient profile.

Broccoli Microgreens Health Benefits

So, what is it that makes broccoli microgreens a particularly good choice? There are actually several health benefits associated with growing broccoli microgreens.

• Nutritional Value

Broccoli microgreens contain a high level of vitamin C which boosts your immune system ability to fight disease. It also has plenty of vitamin A which is good for eye health, especially as you age. Vitamin A is also useful to prevent urinary stones and keep your bones and teeth healthy.

In addition, it is known to be high in antioxidants which can help to prevent you from contracting cancer and other age-related conditions.

This is one microgreen you need to be consuming.

• Culinary Uses

Broccoli microgreens can be eaten raw. While this is not a health benefit in itself, it is a good way of making sure you get all the nutrition you can from these micro-vegetables.

This means you can add it to virtually any meal or snack.

• Reduces Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is caused when you exercise very hard or whenever you have problems breathing, such as during an asthma attack. Broccoli microgreens help you to absorb oxygen better; reducing the stress placed on your body when the oxygen supply is limited.

Better absorption of oxygen means that your organs and muscles will get the oxygen and nutrients they need to work efficiently.

• Blood Glucose Regulation

There are high levels of Sulforaphane in broccoli microgreens. This is the compound that has been found to reduce cancer risk. It is also linked with blood sugar regulation.

Although the exact mechanism is not yet known, it appears that the presence of sulforaphane reduces blood sugar levels which can reduce your risk of type II diabetes and decrease your body’s ability to store fat.

How to grow Broccoli Microgreens Indoors

• Soak: Not necessary.
• Rinse/Drain: Drench the growing medium daily.
• Time to germinate: 2 days.
• Time to harvest: Between 6-15 days after planting.

 

These plants are exceptionally easy to grow. In fact, all you need is the following ingredients, and a few simple instructions on how to grow broccoli microgreens; then they’ll practically take care of themselves.

You’ll need to choose the right medium and tray to grow these microgreens on. A tray between 1-2 inches deep should be good enough; the deeper the tray the harder is it to harvest them. You can use most planting options but coconut coir is a particularly effective option.

It is not necessary to soak the seed, but, you do need to keep your tray covered for the first few days. A clear lid is effective as it will allow sunlight in while keeping the seeds moist.

The best approach is to put the seeds somewhere the temperature will remain circa 70°F (21°C). The seeds don’t need to be flooded and drained. However, they do need to be kept moist. Ideally, you should spray them daily.

Obviously the deeper your medium, the less often you’ll need to water them.

However, once the leaves start to sprout you will need to drench the medium; it is possible to pour off any excess water.

You should be aware that the root hairs are most visible just before you water, they can look like mold but they are just root hairs.

Your seeds will germinate within 2 days; you’ll be able to see tiny roots showing. You can then keep an eye on the plants; they should have open green leaves before you harvest your first crop. It’s a good idea to reduce the amount of moisture on their leaves in the last 12 hours of growth.

When you think they’ll be ready to eat, remove them from your house and then harvest them. This should be between 6 and 15 days after you planted them.

It is worth noting that broccoli microgreens do not store well, you’ll be better off eating them straight away.

The FAQ for Growing Broccoli Microgreens

You should find the answer to your question here. But, if you don’t, then don’t hesitate to contact me with your query!

How long do broccoli microgreens take to grow?

If you have the optimum conditions, such as the right temperature, water, and grow media; these beautiful and tasty microgreens can be ready in as little as 6 days.

Best way to eat broccoli microgreens?

The best way to eat them is raw. You’ll need to give them a quick wash in cold water and then put them on top of your sandwich, salad, or even your hot meal.

How to harvest broccoli microgreens?

When your broccoli microgreens are ready to harvest you can simply cut them around 1-inch (2.5cm) above the level of your growing media. It should be possible to do this with a sharp knife or scissors.

How to store broccoli microgreens?

Providing you’ve kept the plants dry for the last 8-12 hours before harvesting, it is safe to store them in your refrigerator. A plastic bag or sealed container is fine.

If they are damp then place them between two pieces of kitchen towel to allow them to dry.

But, it is best to eat them fresh, which means you just harvest what you can eat.

What do broccoli microgreens taste like?

Broccoli microgreens actually have a slightly bitter taste, thanks to the sulforaphane in them. However, this makes them a great addition to anything on the sweeter side as it will balance the flavor.

Broccoli microgreens vs broccoli heads nutrition

The simplest answer is that the broccoli microgreens have a much higher nutrient content than broccoli heads.

Broccoli is exceptionally good for you. But, having microgreens in your own home or garden means you’ll get the freshest possible produce and the maximum amount of nutrition in your body.

The fact that it is also cheaper and rewarding to grow your own broccoli microgreens is a bonus!