To better understand what microgreens are, let’s briefly differentiate them from sprouts and baby greens:
- Sprouts: Sprouts are even younger than microgreens, usually consisting of just the seed and its initial sprout. They are typically grown in water and are eaten with their roots, seed, and all. Common examples include bean sprouts and alfalfa sprouts.
- Microgreens: Microgreens are more developed than sprouts, as they include the first true leaves of the plant. They are typically grown in soil or a soil-like medium and are harvested when they are 1 to 2 inches tall.
- Baby Greens: Baby greens are fully mature leaves of plants like lettuce, spinach, or kale but are harvested at an early stage when they are small and tender. They are larger than microgreens and often used in salads.