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Within the diverse world of leafy greens, the Amaranth Microgreens hold a prominent position, not just for their height but also for their unparalleled nutritional value. Often overshadowed by conventional vegetables, these tiny plants are a nutritional dynamo waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore!
Why Are Amaranth Microgreens Exceptional?
A Glimpse at Their Nutritional Composition
Amaranth Microgreens go beyond being merely green; they’re packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron – they serve as an excellent addition to support bone and muscle health.
An Antioxidant Haven
Amaranth Microgreens extend beyond minerals; they’re loaded with antioxidants. Why is this important? Antioxidants act as your body’s shield against free radicals – harmful substances that can damage your cells.
Growing Your Own Amaranth Microgreens
Cultivating them is simpler than you might imagine. All it takes is a shallow tray, good-quality soil, and obviously – red garnet amaranth microgreen seeds. A little water sprinkling along with some nurturing care will make them sprout before you know it. The video below shows you step-by-step how to grow the red garnet amaranth microgreens.
Lighting and Temperature Requirements
Like most plants, Amaranth Microgreens enjoy sunlight exposure. Position them in an area receiving indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Regarding temperature? They aren’t too particular but prefer comfortable surroundings – room temperature should do just fine.
There are around 70 varieties of amaranth, but only a handful are grown for food ¹. The most common variety grown for microgreens is a very pretty red.
Here are some tips and tricks for growing perfect amaranth microgreens:
- Pick the right soil. There are many types of soil you can grow your microgreens in, but it is not recommended to use soil from outside due to bugs and the possibility of bringing in mold or fungus. If you prefer not to have messy soil inside, amaranth microgreens can be grown on jute mats, too, but it can pose problems as we’ll see below You can also grow amaranth microgreens in paperpot.
- Once the seeds sprout, you need to water the amaranth from the bottom to prevent mold. A lot of microgreens can be sprayed with water, but you will want to avoid that with amaranth as it can cause dampening. This type of green is particularly susceptible to mold, which is one of the reasons it gets an intermediate difficulty level.
- If you notice tiny white hairs on your growing sprouts, don’t fret – these are the roots! They do look a little like mold, but let them grow and you will see they are a tiny, hair-like root structure.
- This tiny microgreen likes warmth and can benefit from a seed mat if you don’t see the germination rate you’d like or if the plants are slow-growing.
Integrating Amaranth Microgreens into Your Diet
Delicious Combinations
The charm of Amaranth microgreen lies not only in its nutrient content but also in its adaptability in various dishes. Mix them into salads or smoothies or sprinkle over soups and sandwiches- their slightly nutty taste enhances numerous recipes.
Salads Plus More
Adding amaranth microgreen to salad transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary – creating a nutrient-dense flavorful meal akin to having mini green superheroes on your plate!
Breakfast Smoothies
Kickstart your day with an energy-infused amaranth microgreen smoothie! Blend them with fresh fruits topped off with yogurt – you’re all set for the day ahead!
Health Advantages of Eating Amaranth Microgreen
Boosting Immunity
Loaded with Vitamin C, consuming amarnath microgreans regularly can help strengthen immunity helping keep common colds & flu at bay.
Heart Health Ally
With high potassium content, they aid in maintaining blood pressure levels thereby contributing to heart health.
Digestive Aid
Being rich in dietary fibers, incorporating amaranth microgreens would certainly be appreciated by your gut!
Storing Tips For Your Amaranth Microgreens
Maintaining Freshness
To preserve their nutritional integrity, store these greens inside an air-tight container kept inside the refrigerator. However, remember fresher the better!
Moisture Management
Beware moisture! Ensure they are dry when stored else risk turning them mushy.
Consume Sooner Rather Than Later
Given their short shelf life consume them within a week post-harvesting.
Conclusion:
More than just adding color to your plate, Amaranth Microgreens bring together taste & nutrition. So next time grocery shopping don’t forget to pick up these little green marvels.
As with all good things, there is a potential downside to growing and consuming amaranth microgreens. One of the most common problems with growing amaranth microgreens is mold, mildew, or fungus. Another issue is that the seeds can be slow to germinate. Additionally, the plants can grow to the side in a tangled mess.
It’s important to note that these issues can be mitigated by following proper growing techniques. For example, it’s recommended to use a high-quality soil mix and to avoid overwatering the plants.
Overall, while there are some potential challenges associated with growing and consuming amaranth microgreens, they are generally considered a healthy addition to one’s diet.