What do microgreens taste like? Have you been curious about trying microgreens but weren’t sure what kind of flavors to expect? Maybe you’ve had them sprinkled on a dish at a restaurant and wondered what that zesty, almost spicy kick was. Or perhaps the idea of eating something simply labeled “greens” brings up images of bitter, unappetizing veggies from your childhood.
Well, let me put those flavor concerns to rest! Microgreens pack a serious punch of flavor into those tiny shoots and leaves. From sweet and mild to sour and spicy, there’s an entire world of tastes just waiting to be explored in the microgreen realm. And the best part? They let you enjoy the concentrated essence of your favorite veggies and herbs in a convenient, nutrient-dense package.
Whether you’re a foodie always on the hunt for new flavors or someone just looking to easily add more variety to your meals, microgreens have something to offer. Get ready to have your taste buds awakened as we dive into the wonderfully diverse flavors of microgreens! By the end, you’ll be eager to start incorporating these delightful greens into your cooking.
What Do Microgreens Taste?
Sweet
For those just dipping their toes into the world of microgreens, the sweet varieties are usually the best starting point. With approachable, mild, and familiar flavors, sweet microgreens provide a gentle introduction before venturing into more bold or bitter territories.
Amaranth microgreens have a subtle, almost grassy sweetness with hints of nuttiness. Their delicate leaves and tender stems make them an ideal garnish for lighter dishes like salads or soups. Beet microgreens taste remarkably similar to their mature counterparts, just with a more concentrated earthy sweetness. They add a gorgeous pop of color to dishes.
Bok choy’s mild, sweet, cabbage-like flavor translates well to its microgreen form. These tiny greens have a pleasant crunch and work beautifully in stir-fries or as a topping for tacos. One of the sweetest options, pea microgreens have an amazing fresh, sweet pea taste that’s nostalgic and comforting. They’re delicious added to pasta dishes or blended into smoothies.
Other sweet microgreen options include kohlrabi, which has a sweet, crisp, radish-like flavor. Lettuce microgreens like romaine have a delicate sweetness. Parsley microgreens are clean and sweet while radish microgreens are surprisingly sweet compared to their pungent mature counterparts. Sunflower microgreens provide light, nutty sweetness.
The sweetness in these microgreens makes them extremely versatile for using fresh as garnishes, adding to salads, sprinkling over dishes, or incorporating into smoothies and juices. Their flavors are approachable enough for even picky child palates. For microgreen newcomers, the sweet varieties are the perfect gateway into appreciating the incredible flavors packed into these nutrient-dense greens.
Bitter
While the term “bitter” may not sound entirely appealing, don’t let it scare you away from this category of microgreens. The bitterness is often mild and well-balanced by other flavors like earthiness, nuttiness, or even slight sweetness. Bitter microgreens can add wonderful complexity and depth to dishes.
Broccoli microgreens are one of the most popular and well-known bitter varieties. They have an unmistakable broccoli flavor that’s earthy, nutty, and yes, somewhat bitter – but in a delightfully fresh way. The bitterness is much more subtle than in mature broccoli. The crunchy little stems and frilly leaves provide great texture in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls and more.
Cress microgreens like garden cress have a zesty, peppergrass-like bite along with their bitterness. They’re fantastic for adding a punch of flavor to milder dishes. Kale microgreens maintain their distinctive leafy green taste but in a more concentrated, slightly sweeter form compared to mature kale. The bitterness is pretty mild.
While wheatgrass isn’t necessarily meant for munching on directly, its potent grassy bitterness makes it ideal for juicing into shots or smoothies to get a boost of nutrients and detoxifying chlorophyll.
The bitterness in many of these microgreens comes from compounds like glucosinolates that provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits. So not only do bitter microgreens add interesting flavor complexity, but they’re also incredibly nutritious little powerhouses.
When using bitter microgreens, a little can go a long way in adding depth to a dish without being overpowering. They make great toppers for scrambles, soups, roasted veggies, avocado toast and more. Or blend them into pestos and dressings. With their subtle bitterness and earthy, nutty undertones, don’t be so quick to rule out this category of flavorful microgreens.
Sour/Tangy
If you’re a fan of bright, vibrant flavors that make your mouth water, then the sour and tangy microgreens are calling your name. These varieties pack a punch of acidity and tartness that livens up dishes.
Buckwheat microgreens lead the charge with their distinctly sour, almost lemony flavor that brings a zing to wherever they’re used. They pair particularly well with richer ingredients like eggs, cheese, avocado or nuts to cut through and balance out heavier flavors. The tender greens also add an enjoyable crunch.
Cilantro microgreens capture the fresh, vibrant flavors of the herb but in even more concentrated form. Expect a blast of bright cilantro essence along with citrusy sourness. They make a fantastic garnish for Mexican, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine to add refreshing accents.
While mature sorrel has a distinctly sour lemon-like tartness, sorrel microgreens have a more nuanced sourness complemented by herbal green notes. Their tender leaves have just a hint of sharpness to awaken the taste buds.
Using sour and tangy microgreens is an easy way to add layers of vibrant flavor to basic dishes. Sprinkle buckwheat or cilantro microgreens over roasted veggies or proteins for a flavor boost. Blend them into creamy dips and dressings for tangy accents. Or use them as garnishes for soups, grain bowls and more to provide pops of freshness.
These microvarieties are also ideal for making flavorful microgreen-based pestos to liven up pasta, toast, potatoes and other dishes. Don’t underestimate their power to elevate simple ingredients into something craveable with their mouthwatering tartness.
Spicy
For those who love a kick of heat, the spicy microgreen varieties are sure to delight. From gentle tingling warmth to full-on tongue-tingling fire, these pungent greens run the gamut of spice levels. Get ready to add some serious flavor excitement to your meals.
Arugula microgreens capture the signature peppery punch of mature arugula but in concentrated form. Their spicy mustard notes provide a pleasant sinus-clearing experience. Basil microgreens have a lovely licorice-like spiciness along with hints of clove, mint and citrus that make them burst with flavor.
On the milder end of the spectrum, mustard microgreens impart just a subtle horseradish-like heat. Radish microgreens surprisingly bring more spicy heat than their full-grown cousins, with a zesty kick reminiscent of their peppery taste.
For truly fiery thrills, reach for shiso and nasturtium microgreens. Shiso has notes of cinnamon and cumin along with tingling spiciness on the tongue. Bright green nasturtium microgreens are among the spiciest microgreen varieties with a searing heat that gradually builds.
The ”rray of spicy microgreens allows you to customize the level of kick you want to add to dishes. Use a light hand with nasturtium if you don’t want to be overwhelmed. Or go heavy on the shiso for maximum sizzle.
These spicy greens are fantastic for adding bold flavor to proteins, roasted veggies, dips, dressings and more. Make a zesty arugula or radish microgreen pesto for pastas or spread on sandwiches. Accent Mexican dishes with hints of shiso or add pleasant heat to Asian stir-fries with mustard microgreens. For spice fans, these varieties are a fun way to explore different levels of tingling warmth and flavor flair.
Microgreen Variety Sampler Packs
With such an incredible range of flavors in the world of microgreens, it can be both exciting and daunting to know where to start. How do you pick which varieties to try first? Purchasing individual packets can get pricey if you want to sample several different kinds.
This is where microgreen variety samplers come in clutch. These assortments provide a curated selection of diverse microgreen seeds in smaller quantities, perfect for experimenting. Most reputable microgreen seed companies offer sampler packs tailored to different interests and experience levels.
For example, a beginner sampler may contain 6-8 of the more common mild and sweet microgreen varieties like peas, radish, broccoli, and bok choy. This allows you to get a feel for growing microgreens with user-friendly seeds before exploring bolder flavors.
Many companies also offer spicy or zesty microgreen variety packs with flavorful greens like mustard, radish, arugula, cilantro and shiso. These let you dabble in tasty greens that pack more of a flavor punch.
A comprehensive sampler may contain 10-12 different seed varieties spanning the entire spectrum of flavors – sweet, spicy, tangy, bitter, and everything in between. This allows you to grow and taste true diversity while discovering your preferences.
Microgreen samplers make it easy and cost-effective to explore all the different flavor possibilities. They’re perfect for the foodie always seeking new flavors or the gardener who wants to experience as many varieties as possible. You can grow just an ounce or two of multiple types to sample before committing to larger seed quantities of your favorites.
As you work through a diverse sampler pack, be sure to take notes on your favored flavors, textures, and growing experiences. This will help narrow down which microgreen varieties you’ll want to keep growing for both their taste and performance. Variety is the spice of life afterall!
Tips for Using Microgreens and Pairing Flavors
The versatility of microgreens makes it easy to start working them into all sorts of dishes.
One of the simplest ways is to use microgreens as a garnish or topping. Their vibrant colors and delicate textures make them perfect for adding a fresh, flavorful finish to soups, salads, proteins, grain bowls and more. Try sprinkling zesty radish microgreens over avocado toast or using mild pea shoots to garnish creamy bisques.
Microgreens also make fantastic additions to sandwiches and wraps. The contrasting textures and flavors work wonderfully against other ingredients. Imagine a veggie sandwich with crisp alfalfa sprouts and peppery radish microgreens for a flavorful crunch.
For an easy way to add nutrition and flavor, blend microgreens into smoothies, juices, dressings and dips. Sunflower or pea microgreens would be delicious in a green smoothie, while spicy shiso microgreen could add kick to a yogurt-based veggie dip.
When cooking with microgreens, think about pairing flavors that will complement each other well. Mild, sweet microgreens like beets make a great base for bolder, spicier varieties. The nuttiness of broccoli microgreens would balance nicely with the tang of sorrel. And earthy, bitter greens like kale pair divinely with rich, creamy ingredients to temper their intensity.
For maximum impact, try making microgreen-based pestos, purees or cooking greens. This allows you to really appreciate their concentrated flavors while softening any fibrous textures. Arugula and radish microgreens blended with olive oil, nuts and parmesan makes an incredibly vibrant and zesty pesto for pastas, proteins or veggies.
The key Is to experiment and have fun playing with different microgreen flavors and combinations. Use small amounts at first until you develop a sense of how much “green” flavor you want in a dish. With a little creativity, microgreens can effortlessly lend shocking bursts of fresh, unique flavors to your favorite foods.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Microgreens
While you can certainly find high-quality microgreens at many grocery stores and farmers markets these days, there’s something extra special about growing them yourself at home. Cultivating your own microgreen garden provides a level of freshness, variety, and empowerment that’s hard to beat.
When you grow microgreens, you ensure maximum freshness and nutrients because you can snip off the tiny greens and enjoy them at their peak, just days after germinating. The delicate shoots and leaves are at their most vibrant, tender and flavorful right after harvest. Unlike store-bought greens that lose vitality over time, home-grown microgreens deliver explosive fresh flavors.
Another huge benefit is having an incredibly diverse array of varieties at your fingertips throughout the year. You’re not limited to what’s seasonally available or commonly produced on a large scale. With microgreens, you can grow eclectic, heirloom and global varieties to expose your palate to new tastes. Seed companies offer hundreds of unique options like amaranth, popcorn shoots, lupini beans and kalettes.
Growing microgreens also provides a wonderful opportunity to get in touch with your food source. There’s something satisfying about cultivating your own nutrient-dense crops from seed to harvest in just 7-14 days. You develop a deeper appreciation for the growth process and all the flavor packed into those tiny seedlings. Kids especially love the magic of watching the seeds transform.
On a broader level, producing some of your own food instills a sense of agency and self-sufficiency that connects you to one of our most basic human needs. While microgreens may be small, developing the skills and knowledge to grow them helps build confidence in your self-reliance. Over time, microgreen gardening can serve as a gateway to larger home-growing goals.
From a practical standpoint, microgreens are also extremely well-suited for urban gardening and small space growing since they take up so little room. Even apartment dwellers can easily cultivate them year-round on a sunny windowsill for a steady supply of ultra-fresh, nutrient-dense greens.
FAQs
Do different microgreen colors indicate different flavors?
Yes, in general the color of microgreens can provide clues about their flavor profile. More vibrant reds/purples tend to indicate slightly sweeter or earthier tastes, while bright greens can mean more peppery, tangy flavors. However, there are always exceptions!
How do microgreen flavors change as they grow?
The flavor of microgreens becomes more intense and concentrated right before harvest around the 1-2 week mark. Their tastes start out quite mild and gain more boldness and complexity as they mature into greener plants.
Are some microgreens more perishable than others in terms of flavor?
Yes, the more delicate microgreen varieties like cilantro tend to lose their flavors faster after harvest compared to hardier options like radish or broccoli microgreens. Using them very fresh maximizes their taste.
Can microgreens actually taste like their full-sized green counterparts?
While not exact replicas, well-grown microgreens closely mimic the flavors of the mature vegetable or herb they derive from, just in a more intense, concentrated form when harvested young.
Do organically-grown microgreens taste different?
Many believe organically-grown microgreens tend to have richer, more pronounced flavors compared to those grown conventionally since they develop their tastes naturally without restricting factors.
Is there a way to boost the flavors of microgreens?
Techniques like using nutrient-rich soils, supplying adequate light, and limiting moisture before harvest can help concentrate and amplify the natural flavors in microgreens.
What factors cause bitterness or spice in microgreens?
The compounds that create bitterness, spiciness or pungency in microgreens like glucosinolates develop more intensely with certain environmental conditions like temperature fluctuations or stress.
Conclusion
From peppery arugula to zesty cilantro, sweet pea tendrils to earthy kale, the incredible range of flavors in the world of microgreens is quite astonishing for such tiny plants. What they lack in size, they make up for with concentrated, vibrant tastes that can add serious pops of flavor to dishes.
As you’ve learned, microgreens run the full flavor spectrum – pleasantly mild and sweet, zinging with tartness, bitter with nuanced depth, or packing legitimate spice. With hundreds of varieties to explore, there is an entire rainbow of flavors to experience.
While their flavors may sometimes seem bold or unfamiliar at first, microgreens offer fantastic opportunities to expand your palate and experience truly fresh, unique tastes. The beauty is being able to use just a few microgreeens at a time to add compelling accents without overwhelming a dish.
Navigating microgreen flavors is also made easier by understanding their general categories and characteristics. You can select complementary or contrasting tastes based on your cravings and the cuisines you love. Or experiment with combining different varieties for delightfully complex flavor blends.
No matter your flavor preferences, the world of microgreens has an outstanding variety of options to delight and inspire your culinary adventures. From livening up basics to crafting intricate flavorful dishes, these mighty micros deliver huge bursts of fresh taste.
Whether growing them yourself or sourcing from local producers, making microgreens part of your cooking repertoire ensures unlimited opportunities for adding vivid colors, textures and flavors to your meals. With so many delicious possibilities, why not embrace the incredible flavors of microgreens?
