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Tiny greens, mighty impact

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Chandigarh, Updated At : 07:32 PM Jul 04, 2025 IST

Microgreens: A lifestyle superfood revolution

In the fast-evolving world of health and wellness, microgreens have emerged as the green heroes of urban living. These tiny seedlings — harvested just after the first set of true leaves emerge — pack a nutritional punch far greater than their size suggests. Easy to grow, aesthetically pleasing, and incredibly healthy, microgreens are becoming an essential part of the modern urban lifestyle.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are young edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested at an early stage of growth — generally 7 to 21 days after germination. They are typically grown in soil or hydroponic trays and are consumed raw, enhancing both the taste and appearance of dishes.

Popular plants grown as microgreens

Here are some common plants used for growing microgreens, along with their key health benefits:

Plant	Health benefits
Broccoli	High in sulforaphane — supports detox, fights cancer cells, boosts immunity
Radish	Aids digestion, rich in antioxidants, supports metabolism
Sunflower	Excellent source of zinc, improves skin health, boosts immunity
Beetroot	Rich in nitrates — enhances blood flow, improves stamina
Basil	Contains anti-inflammatory compounds, supports digestion and reduces stress
Pea Shoots	Rich in folate and vitamin C — supports heart health and immunity
Coriander/Cilantro	Detoxifying, improves digestion, rich in vitamin K

Lifestyle benefits of microgreens

1. Nutrient-dense superfood: Microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. For city dwellers struggling to maintain a balanced diet, adding a handful of microgreens to salads, smoothies, or sandwiches can significantly boost vitamin and mineral intake.

2. Space-saving cultivation: Microgreens thrive in small spaces, making them ideal for balconies, kitchen windows, or even vertical garden racks — perfect for urban apartments where space is at a premium.

3. Quick harvest: Most microgreens are ready in under 3 weeks, offering instant gratification compared to other home gardening methods.

4. No chemicals needed: When grown at home, microgreens are chemical-free, giving you clean, safe produce — a luxury in today’s pesticide-heavy agriculture.

5. Aesthetic and culinary appeal: With vibrant colours and delicate textures, microgreens enhance the visual and flavour profile of any dish — a delight for foodies and Instagrammers alike.

Taking roots in Tricity

Once a niche indulgence for the affluent, microgreens are steadily making their way into everyday diets across Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula). What began as a trend among health-conscious elites is now spreading its roots deeper into the culinary and wellness landscape.

Driven by rising awareness, the HORECA sector — Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés — has embraced these tiny nutrient powerhouses, incorporating them regularly into their menus. In fact, over 600 residents in Tricity are now regular consumers, a number that continues to grow.

Chandigarh-based microgreens entrepreneur Manjula Narang explains, “Microgreens are up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts. They’re an easy, flavourful and vibrant way to enhance salads, sandwiches, smoothies or gourmet dishes.”

As urban lifestyles shift towards healthier choices, microgreens are no longer just a garnish — they’re becoming a staple of the wellness revolution.

Microgreens vs sprouts

Aspect	Microgreens	Sprouts
Growth medium	Grown in soil or trays	Grown in water
Harvest stage	After leaves appear (7–21 days)	At germination stage (2–5 days)
Nutrition	Higher concentration of vitamins and antioxidants	Lower in some nutrients
Food safety	Lower risk of contamination if grown hygienically	High risk of bacterial contamination
Culinary use	Garnishes, salads, smoothies	Typically in sandwiches, salads
Taste & texture	Varied flavours (peppery, sweet, tangy)	Mild and crunchy

Verdict: Microgreens offer better taste, safety, variety and nutrient profile than sprouts, making them a superior choice for health-conscious individuals.

Why Microgreens are taking over urban lifestyles

1. Sustainable living trend: The rise of eco-consciousness and the desire to reduce carbon footprints is encouraging urbanites to grow their own food. Microgreens require minimal water, space, and energy, making them a sustainable option.

2. Busy lives, healthy choices: With the modern lifestyle becoming increasingly fast-paced, people look for quick yet nutritious meal options. Microgreens fit perfectly into this — healthy, home-grown, and low-effort.

3. Mental wellness: Gardening has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety. Growing microgreens at home offers a miniature, manageable version of gardening that fits into busy city life.

4. Accessibility & DIY movement: DIY kits and online tutorials have made growing microgreens extremely accessible — no prior gardening experience needed.

Limitations of growing microgreens

Short shelf life: Once harvested, microgreens spoil quickly and need refrigeration.

Initial cost: Although not high, setting up trays, grow lights (for indoor growth), and organic seeds may require a small investment.

Careful hygiene needed: Moist environments can promote mold growth if not managed properly.

Limited caloric value: While rich in nutrients, microgreens are not a major calorie source and must be part of a balanced diet.

Redefining urban food culture

From balconies in Mumbai to kitchen counters in New York, microgreens are redefining urban food culture. They blend nutrition, convenience, and sustainability — aligning perfectly with modern lifestyle aspirations. While they don’t replace full meals, they elevate daily diets, encourage mindful living, and reconnect city-dwellers with the source of their food. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a home chef, or simply seeking a green touch in your city life — microgreens are the small change that can make a big difference.

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Ravneet Kaur

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Ravneet Kaur

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