In Short

Sprouts	Microgreens
Grown in less than a week	Grown in 7 – 21 days
Sprouted in water	Grown in soil
Roots, Seed and Stem eaten	Stem and leaves eaten
Lower levels of Nutrients	Higher levels of Nutrients

Microgreens and Sprouts are not only different visually but also by the way they are grown and their nutritional value. Microgreens and Sprouts are often confused since the term Sprout is used incorrectly and many people do not know that there is a difference. Thankfully this article will help clear the air!

Sprouts

Sprouts are grown hydroponically which means they are grown in water without any soil. A batch of sprouts is grown within 5 days since the sprouts are harvested and ready when the seed hulls fall off during the rinsing process.

Sprouts are low in calories yet are very nutrient rich. Although nutrient levels will vary depending on the seed, Sprouts are generally richer in protein, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamins C and K and essential amino acids.

Furthermore Sprouts may help with digestion. Firstly by reducing the amount of antinutrients. This allows your body to more easily digest plant proteins. Antinutrients – compounds that reduce the bodies ability to absorb plant nutrients. Secondly by increasing the amount of indigestible fiber. Indigestible fiber helps form stool which helps reduce the possibility of constipation. Finally by reducing the amount of gluten found in grains. This is especially important for people sensitive to gluten.

Sprouts although healthy do not have very much flavor. Sprouts offer a crunchy texture within meals yet since they have not grown and developed very much, neither does their flavor.

Go and read this article to find out more! Raw Sprouts: Benefits and Potential Risks (healthline.com)

Microgreens

Microgreens are grown in soil or hydroponically or hybridly. Certain types of plants like Green Peas are able to be grown without the need of soil whereas Radish needs soil to grow. Microgreens can be grown hybridly with the use of in inert growing medium such as coco coir or grow mats that allow the roots to support the plant during its growth and allow it to absorb water yet no nutrients are absorbed from the medium. Microgreens can be grown from 7 to 21 days since they are ready for harvest when their first “True leaves” appear.

Microgreens are the most nutrient dense food. Having the highest nutrient to calorie ratio out of all the foods. Although each Microgreen has different nutritional values, Microgreens have nutrient concentrations that are either equal to or greatly more than the same weight of their fully grown counterparts. The nutrient concentration increase has been studied and the highest results are seen to be 40X. These nutrients range from Vitamins to lutein, beta-carotene, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and many more.

Microgreens are extremely healthy for you and even have higher levels of fiber and nutrients than sprouts. Microgreens have such high anti-oxidant levels that they are able to help treat some cancer patients, lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and lower the risk of heart disease.

Each Microgreen has its own unique flavor profile and texture as they have developed much further past the sprout stage. This allows Microgreens to be used on many different dishes as the chef pleases.

Read this article to find out more! Microgreens: Health Benefits, Nutrition and How to Grow Them (healthline.com)

In Conclusion

What is the difference between microgreens and sprouts?

Other than their different growing processes, Microgreens are the healthier food with less risk as they are not as prone to harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Microgreens are not only more nutritious, they also have a much greater flavor profile than Sprouts since they have grown more and developed more flavor and not just a crunch.

Go to our shop page to purchase our microgreens and begin your health journey right! Shop – Verdure (verdureveg.co.za)