Tag: Growing greens

Mesclun, named for the Provençal word for "mixture," traditionally includes at least four different types of young, tender greens. Discover exactly what herbs are in mesclun, from the classic components to modern flavorful additions, that make this salad mix so complex and beloved.

Despite their similar name, longevity spinach (Gynura procumbens) is not a true spinach and is botanically unrelated to the common green (Spinacia oleracea), belonging instead to the Asteraceae family.

According to USDA data, red cabbage microgreens can contain up to 6 times more vitamin C than mature red cabbage, highlighting the concentrated nutrition in young plants. Yet, many people confuse the different stages of plant development, failing to distinguish between sprouts, microgreens, and baby leaf vegetables.

Research has shown that microgreens can contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants per serving than their mature vegetable counterparts. This fundamental difference is key to understanding what separates mature kale, the full-grown leafy green, from microgreens, the early-harvested, nutrient-dense seedlings.

While both are diminutive and delicious, microgreens and baby greens are not the same, with studies showing microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Their differences lie in their stage of growth, flavor profile, and cultivation methods, impacting how they are best used in the kitchen.