Which are More Nutritious – Sprouts vs. Microgreens?

Today, when everyone is more conscious of and keen on a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illness, microgreens and sprouts are highly sought-after items. In addition to the numerous health benefits, they are quickly and efficiently manufactured and utilized in a variety of ways.

Microgreens are often mistaken for sprouts. In fact, they are different. Compared to sprouts, they offer more nutritional value and contain more antioxidants. They are a good supply of vitamin A and B, C (ascorbic acid) as well as E and iron. But, they require more time to grow and are harder to harvest. Sprouts are a great source of protein and offer the same benefits as those found in microgreens. 

What are Sprouts?

Sprouts seeds grow and develop into young plants. Sprouts are rich sources of nutrients and are low in calories. They grow in a hydroponic system, i.e., using only water. They grow quickly and are harvested in just two to six days. They are the principal ingredient of raw diets and are highly praised for their nutritional benefit.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are baby plants. They are highly rich in nutrients. Microgreens gained popularity through cooking shows and gourmet restaurants. They provide a unique twist to your food by adding flavor and color. Today they are so popular that they are available on the shelves of all grocery shops or on the windowsills of homes. The most widely grown microgreens are beets, broccoli, beets, etc. Most vegetables and herbs can be easily grown as microgreens.

Related Posts –

Health Benefits of Sprouts

Guide to Grow Sprouts at Home

Sprouts vs. Microgreens 

Microgreens, as well as sprouts, can be harvested at the beginning of development, just only a few days after the seeds have sprouted. This is why they are usually categorized as one. However, they are not identical. 

Sprouts  vs. Microgreens – The Similarities

• They both grow using the same seeds 
• The seeds require water to break the dormancy.
• The pre-soaking of the seeds is possible before planting.
• Both can be grown in your home.
• Both are highly nutrient-rich.

Sprouts vs. Microgreens – The Differences

	Sprouts	Microgreens
Growing Medium	Grown in water (hydroponically)	Can be grown in soil or in a hydroponic medium.
Harvest	In 3 to 5 days	In 7 to 14 days
Plant Length	2-3 inches	4-7 inches.
Appearance	Don’t form the real leaves, but only the seeds leaves	Form true leaves
Nutrition	Comparatively Less	More than just sprouts
Consumption	Whole sprouts are consumed – such as seeds, root stem and seed leaves	The seeds and roots are not consumed.
Ventilation	No requirement of ventilation	Require good ventilation
Light Requirements	No requirement of light	Need light to grow
Fiber content	Comparatively less	More than just sprouts
Recipe	Ideal for a crunch or stir-fry	Excellent for salads, soups as a garnish and sandwiches.
Plants varieties	Limited choices available	More than 80 types of plants
Cost	Comparatively cheaper	Expensive than sprouts

We hope this article has helped clarify some confusion and misconception about microgreens and sprouts.

Microgreen Growing Kits -For Microgreen Lovers

If you are also interested in growing nutritious microgreens near your window, on the terrace, or on the kitchen countertop with just some room lighting, we recommend the GUTBasket Microgreens Grow Kit.

This innovative grow kit uses soil less technology to grow microgreens. It comes with the 3 tray system, pre-cut grow mat, and seeds to grow Microgreens in less than 10 days—a perfect gift for your family and loved ones.