The latest research suggests that cabbage microgreens can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s a good enough reason in itself to start growing these nutritious and delicious plants!
Microgreens are not actually new, they have been in restaurants since the early 1980s’. However, it is only in the last 5-10 years they have started to become a mainstream item. The real beauty of microgreens is not the number of nutrients packed into something so small, it’s not even the fact that they can be grown so quickly.
What really impresses is the ease in which you can start growing cabbage microgreens, or virtually any variety of this miniature vegetable. It’s simple enough that you can do it at home; even with the smallest of back yards.
Cabbage Microgreens Health Benefits
Being easy to grow isn’t always a good enough reason to start something! However, once you’ve discovered the impressive array of health benefits (1) offered by cabbage microgreens you’ll be eager to get started:
- Boost Your Immune System
Thanks to a high content of antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins K1 & C, and potassium; cabbage microgreens have the ability to boost the effectiveness of your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.
- Gastro Distress
A compound in red cabbage, called S-Methylmethionine can reduce gastro distress and actually help to eliminate peptic ulcers. It will sooth the lining of your stomach and protect it from future issues.
- Reduced Cancer Risk
There are in excess of 30 anthocyanins in red cabbage microgreens. These give the cabbage its color and can help to reduce the risk of cancer cells appearing while promoting brain and heart health!
It also contains a compound called glucosinolates which can actually prevent the growth of cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
- Alzheimer’s
Early research suggests that cabbage microgreens could be beneficial in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s; that’s a promising result. Hopefully, more research will confirm these results.
How to Grow Cabbage Microgreens
- Soak: No. you don’t need to soak before you plant.
- Rinse/drain: This isn’t necessary, you simply need to keep the soil moist.
- Time to germinate: You’ll see signs of growth within 2-3 days.
- Time to harvest: They’ll be ready within 5-14 days
If you’re ready to learn how to grow cabbage microgreens then read on:
Step 1 – Prep Your Growing Space
You’ll need a growing tray, 10×20 is a good size to start with. It is also important to have the right growing medium; you want to be able to keep it moist.
Use your preferred potting mix. You can also use coconut coir.
You only need a thin layer of soil, unless you’re planning on growing bigger plants. The deeper the growing medium, the larger the roots can grow.
Step 2 – Planting
You should sprinkle roughly 4 teaspoons of cabbage seeds across your 10×20 tray. Make sure the growing medium is in place first and is moist.
It’s a good idea to cover the tray for the first 2 or 3 days and keep them where the temperature stays between 60° and 70°F.
Step 3 – Growing & Watering
Germination should happen within 2-3 days. During these first days, you simply need to keep the soil moist. However, after the plants start to flourish you’ll need to drench the growing medium every day. If you don’t have drainage in your tray then pour the excess water off; you don’t want to drown your plants!
After germination has occurred it’s a good idea to remove the cover and place the tray somewhere it will get plenty of natural light. You must make sure the soil stays moist.
Step 4 – Harvesting
After between 5 and 14 days you can harvest your cabbage microgreens. It is important to note that the flavor changes daily; a little trial and error will be necessary to get your own perfect taste.
The plants should have open green leaves, this shows they are ready to harvest. Stop watering for between 8-12 hours to reduce the moisture content of the plants. Then, cut them just above the growing media and enjoy.
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, if possible.
FAQ
How long do cabbage microgreens take to grow
They should be ready to harvest in as little as 5-14 days after you’ve planted them. The great thing about cabbage microgreens is that they don’t need soaking and rinsing; simply plant the seeds on day 1 and keep an eye on them.
How to eat cabbage microgreens
You’ll find that they are a delicious and nutritious addition to any salad or sandwich. You shouldn’t cook this type of cabbage as this will reduce its nutritional content, but it can be used as a garnish on virtually any meal.
How to harvest cabbage microgreens
As with any microgreen; cut the stalks as close to the growing media as possible. It is best not to water them in the final 8-12 hours as this will increase their moisture content and increase the risk of mold appearing.
How to store cabbage microgreens
It is best to eat cabbage microgreens fresh, as soon as you cut them. However, if you do want to store them then you need to place them between two paper towels and leave them for a short while to dry. You can then transfer them to a bag or container and store them in your refrigerator.
What do cabbage microgreens taste like?
It tastes similar to mature cabbage but the taste is much milder. This is a good thing as many people are not keen on the tang that cabbage can leave in your mouth.
In fact, cabbage microgreens have a much sweeter taste and are crunchy.
Red cabbage vs regular cabbage
You may wonder whether you should be growing red cabbage, regular cabbage, or a mixture of both.
The first part of this decision should be based on taste if you only like one type of cabbage then grow that type. However, if you’re looking at which food is better, then red cabbage contains far more nutrients than regular cabbage. This is mainly due to the color pigmentation of red cabbage, which adds a host of benefits.
Regular cabbage is still exceptionally good for you. If you’re still not sure which one to start with then consider planting red cabbage and regular cabbage microgreens; you can then check out the results yourself.
ar Mr’JonesI have just read your book and found it very informative I am considering entering the Micro Greens production in a small way and would like your advice on if it is a viable time to consider such an operation .Thank you Yours sincerely Brenda Wallington.
Hello Brenda, It’s quite easy to grow microgreens. Start small and try out different varieties first. That way you can taste them and make notes on the growing process.