Can you buy microgreens at the grocery store? An essential guide to nutrition and sourcing

According to a USDA study, microgreens can be up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts, packing a powerful punch of vitamins and antioxidants. This incredible nutritional value has many health-conscious consumers asking, can you buy microgreens at the grocery store? The answer is yes, and this guide will help you find them and understand why they are a valuable addition to your diet.

Quick Summary

Microgreens are available at most major and upscale grocery stores, typically located near packaged herbs or fresh specialty greens in the produce section. They offer concentrated nutrients, vibrant flavors, and are a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidants for a healthy diet.

Key Points

• Availability: Microgreens are commonly found in the produce section of most major and upscale grocery stores, often alongside packaged herbs or specialty greens.

• Sourcing Options: Besides brick-and-mortar stores, microgreens are also available through online delivery services and local farms, offering peak freshness.

• Nutritional Density: They are significantly more nutrient-dense than their mature vegetable counterparts, providing concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Best for Raw Use: To maximize their nutritional benefits and flavor, microgreens are best consumed raw in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or as a garnish.

• Proper Storage is Key: To extend their limited shelf life, store unwashed microgreens in a sealed container with a paper towel in the refrigerator, away from ethylene-producing fruits.

• Cost vs. Benefit: While more expensive per ounce than mature vegetables, their concentrated nutrient profile and intense flavor can justify the cost for many consumers.

Microgreens have exploded in popularity in recent years, moving from gourmet restaurant garnishes to a health food trend for home cooks. While growing your own microgreens has become a popular hobby, many still prefer the convenience of picking them up at the market. Fortunately, they are now widely accessible.

Where to find microgreens in the grocery store

If you're wondering where to find these miniature powerhouses, start your search in the produce section of your local supermarket. Microgreens are typically sold in small, transparent plastic containers and can be found in a few key locations.

The herb and packaged greens aisle

Look for microgreens alongside other packaged salad greens and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. This is the most common placement, particularly in larger grocery chains with a well-stocked produce department. Brands often have distinct packaging, sometimes with the microgreens still growing on a small mat to extend their shelf life.

Specialty produce displays

In upscale or health-food-focused grocery stores, microgreens might be showcased on a special display. These stores often highlight local or organically grown produce, and microgreens fit this category perfectly. If your store has a dedicated organic or specialty greens area, check there first.

Online and direct from farm

For those who don't find them locally, or if you prefer the freshest possible product, many online grocery delivery services or local microgreen farms offer direct-to-consumer sales. Sites like Infinite Harvest and Macro Organics offer fresh microgreens for delivery in specific areas.

Common types of microgreens available

When you find microgreens at the store, you'll likely see a variety of options. Their flavors range from peppery and spicy to mild and earthy, depending on the plant family. Here are some of the most frequently found types:

• Brassicaceae Family: Includes broccoli, kale, arugula, and radish microgreens. These often have a peppery or spicy flavor, with radish offering a particularly strong kick.
• Amaranthaceae Family: Contains beet and amaranth microgreens. Beet microgreens have a sweet, earthy flavor and can add a vibrant red or pink color to dishes.
• Asteraceae Family: Lettuce, endive, and chicory are found in this family. These microgreens tend to have a milder, more neutral flavor profile.
• Apiaceae Family: Dill, fennel, and cilantro microgreens. These offer a concentrated version of their mature herb flavors, perfect for garnishing.
• Legumes and Cereals: Pea shoots and sunflower microgreens are also common. Pea shoots have a sweet, pea-like flavor, while sunflower microgreens are nutty and crunchy.

The nutritional benefits of adding microgreens to your diet

Microgreens are not just a garnish; they are a nutritional powerhouse. Their high concentration of nutrients is a key reason for their 'superfood' status. Research has shown that microgreens possess more concentrated vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their mature plant forms.

• Antioxidants and Disease Prevention: Microgreens are a rich source of polyphenols and other antioxidants, which are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and certain types of cancer.
• Vitamins and Minerals: They are packed with essential vitamins like C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Red cabbage microgreens, for instance, have been found to contain significantly more vitamin C and E than mature red cabbage.
• Digestive Health: Many microgreen varieties are a good source of fiber, which is important for promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.

Comparison: Grocery Store Microgreens vs. Homegrown

Feature	Grocery Store Microgreens	Homegrown Microgreens
Cost	More expensive per ounce due to production, packaging, and shipping costs.	More cost-effective over time, with low initial investment in seeds and equipment.
Freshness	Can lose flavor and nutrients quickly after harvesting. Have a limited shelf life, typically 1-2 weeks.	Can be harvested right before eating, ensuring peak freshness, flavor, and nutritional value.
Variety	Limited to the most popular varieties that are easy to ship and store.	Access to a much wider array of seeds, allowing for more adventurous flavors and combinations.
Convenience	Simply purchase and use immediately, requiring no time or effort for growing.	Requires time for planting, watering, and monitoring growth, typically 1-3 weeks.
Sustainability	Involves plastic packaging and transportation.	Reduced waste and carbon footprint from packaging and shipping.

How to properly store microgreens from the store

Once you have your grocery store microgreens, proper storage is crucial for maintaining freshness and maximizing their shelf life. As they are delicate and highly perishable, a few simple steps can make a big difference.

1. Do not wash before storing: Excess moisture is the enemy of fresh microgreens. Wait to wash them until you are ready to use them.
2. Use a dry paper towel: Place a dry paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any condensation that forms.
3. Choose the right container: Keep them in the original container or transfer them to a sealed plastic container with the paper towel. Some airflow is good, but too much will dry them out.
4. Refrigerate properly: Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is consistent and the humidity can be managed. Avoid placing them with ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, which can cause premature wilting.

Using microgreens in your recipes

Microgreens are best enjoyed raw to preserve their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Their delicate structure can be easily damaged by heat, though some heartier varieties like pea shoots can be added gently to warm dishes. Here are some ways to use them:

• Garnish: Sprinkle microgreens on top of soups, omelets, pizzas, tacos, or roasted vegetables for a pop of color and flavor.
• Salads: Use them as the base for a nutrient-packed salad or toss them into a mixed green salad for extra flavor and texture.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a handful of microgreens to your sandwiches and wraps for a fresh, crunchy element.
• Smoothies: Blend microgreens into your daily smoothie for an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Pesto: Substitute or supplement basil in pesto with microgreens for a unique and nutritious twist.

Conclusion

For those seeking a convenient and potent boost to their nutrition diet, the answer to can you buy microgreens at the grocery store? is a definitive yes. They are a worthwhile investment in your health, offering a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a small package. While growing your own offers the freshest option, supermarket microgreens are readily available and can be a simple, delicious way to elevate the nutritional content of your daily meals. By knowing where to look and how to store them properly, you can enjoy these superfoods as a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.

Explore more tips on growing and using microgreens

Frequently Asked Questions

What section of the grocery store are microgreens usually in?

Microgreens are most often located in the refrigerated section of the produce department, typically near the packaged salad greens, sprouts, and fresh herbs.

Are microgreens and sprouts the same thing?

No, they are different. Microgreens are seedlings harvested after they develop their first leaves (cotyledons), are grown in soil or a growing medium, and only the leaves and stems are eaten. Sprouts are germinated seeds, often grown in water, and the entire plant including the root is consumed.

Why are microgreens at the grocery store so expensive?

The higher price of microgreens is due to several factors, including the labor-intensive process, lower yield per square foot compared to mature vegetables, and the costs of specialized, often organic, growing methods.

How long do microgreens last after buying them?

With proper storage, microgreens purchased from a grocery store can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Shelf life is maximized by keeping them dry and refrigerated.

Can I cook with microgreens?

It is not recommended to cook microgreens with high heat, as this can destroy their delicate texture, flavor, and many of their nutrients. They are best enjoyed raw or added gently to warm dishes just before serving.

What are some common types of microgreens to look for at the store?

Some common types include broccoli, radish, arugula, pea shoots, sunflower, and beet microgreens. These offer a variety of flavors, from spicy to sweet.

How should I store microgreens from the store to keep them fresh?

For maximum freshness, store microgreens unwashed in a sealed plastic container lined with a dry paper towel. Keep the container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator and away from fruits that release ethylene gas.