Microgreens and sprouts are similar, they are not the same thing. Both are baby plants, both can be grown indoors, and both can be grown from the same types of seeds. Sprouts are usally sprouted and rinsed in whater while microgreens  usally are grown in grow mediums like coco, peat or hemp mats.

Micro sprouts are young plants harvested just after germination. Packed with nutrients, they offer a fresh burst of flavor and can be easily added to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. Incorporating micro sprouts into your diet can boost your intake of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

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Health

Incorporating these young seedlings into your diet can yield numerous health benefits:

• High Nutritional Value: Young greens can contain up to 40 times the nutrients found in fully grown vegetables, particularly vitamins A, C, E, and K.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Many varieties are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports Digestive Health: The high fiber content promotes healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining gut health.
• Weight Management: Low in calories yet high in essential nutrients, these greens can be a valuable addition to a weight-conscious diet.

Distinguishing Micro Sprouts from Microgreens

Characteristic	Micro Sprouts	Microgreens
Harvest Time	3 to 5 days	7 to 14 days
Nutritional Content	Higher in protein and fiber	Rich in vitamins and minerals
Flavor Profile	Intense and concentrated flavors	Varied flavors depending on the type

Nutritional Comparison

Type of Micro Sprout	Calories (per 100g)	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Vitamin C (% DV)	Vitamin A (% DV)
Broccoli	34	3.5	2.6	89	12
Radish	16	1.2	1.6	14	0
Sunflower	50	5.5	1.8	0	0
Pea	42	3.5	2.0	60	8

Culinary Uses:

• They can be used as garnishes on dishes, added to salads for extra crunch and flavor, or blended into smoothies for an added nutritional boost. Their versatility makes them a fantastic addition to various recipes.

Popular Varieties:

• Some popular micro sprout varieties include broccoli, radish, sunflower, pea shoots, and alfalfa, which are mentioned as excellent options for home growing.

Food Safety:

It is important to wash thoroughly before consuming them to remove any potential bacteria or contaminants, ensuring food safety.

Microgreens vs. Micro Sprouts

Consideration	Micro Sprouts	Microgreens
Growth	Young seedlings harvested just after germination	Young plants harvested after developing true leaves
Nutritional Content	Higher in protein and fiber	Rich in vitamins and minerals
Flavor Profile	Intense and concentrated flavors	Varied flavors depending on the type
Growing Medium	Often grown in soil or hydroponically	Typically grown in soil or soilless mediums
Common Varieties	Alfalfa, broccoli, radish, clover	Basil, cilantro, mustard, pea shoots
Culinary Uses	Used in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies	Used in salads, garnishes, and as a topping
Storage	Shorter shelf life; best consumed fresh	Slightly longer shelf life, but still perishable
Growing Space Needed	Requires minimal space	Requires a bit more space due to larger size
Ease of Growth	Generally easier to grow at home	Requires slightly more attention and care
Safety Standards	Must be grown in clean conditions to avoid contamination	Similar safety concerns regarding cleanliness
Cost	Generally lower cost for seeds and supplies	Can be more expensive due to longer growing time

Overview of Plants That Can Be Grown as Microgreens

Microgreens can be produced from virtually any type of vegetable or herb seed.

Different types can vary significantly in taste. Some are mild or bland, while others are spicy or bitter.

We can broadly classify microgreens based on the families they belong to.

This will give you a general idea of what kind of taste they will have, along with the growing conditions they prefer and their nutritional content.

Here is a easy and cheap way to grow using only leftover containers: 

Radish

Radishes are a fantastic microgreen for beginners. They sprout quickly (1 to 2 days) in both warm or cold conditions and grow rapidly. Generally, they are ready to harvest after just 5 to 10 days. Radishes contain plenty of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Radishes are usually harvested when their very first set of true leaves begins to grow. If you wait too long past this point, your it may start to become slightly bitter.

Don’t stress if you let your radish grow a little too long. They can still be excellent in soups and smoothies. If you grow China Rose radishes, they add a fantastic color to salads and dinners.

Ready-to-use kit with radishes

The package includes everything you need to get started, tray, seeds, and growing medium.

Radish microgreens taste slightly stronger than regular radishes (which are actually the roots of the radish plant). The reason is that they contain much less water and much more nutrients.

Black kale

Kale is one of my personal favorites and is quite easy to grow.

Kale is grown in about 8 to 12 days. Eating kale as microgreens is a fantastic way to get many good nutrients.

In microgreen form, kale tastes more like mild romaine or leaf lettuce. They have a great appearance that looks like two leaves fused together.

Broccoli

Broccoli is considered a superfood, containing essential minerals, vitamins C and A, and high iron content. Broccoli includes a compound called Sulforaphane that may help with cancer, aging, mortality, cardiovascular disease, brain and behavior, and more. Sulforaphane is heat-sensitive, so it is recommended to eat broccoli microgreens raw as with all microgreens. Here is a guide showing how I grow broccoli microgreens.

Beets

Beets take a little longer to grow than other microgreens. The blackout duration for beets is 6 to 8 days. It takes 10 to 12 days from sowing to harvest. Beet seeds should be pre-soaked in cold water for 8 to 12 hours and then sown thickly, with soil as the medium. They have a mild earthy taste, similar to mature beets.

Watercress

Watercress is another fantastic choice for beginners. They will thrive in the soil even though you can even grow them on a paper towel. This is something that most people have tried at school.

Cucumber

Cucumber microgreens have a sharp peppery taste. It works in salads, sandwiches, and all other dishes. This microgreen takes 2 or 3 days to sprout and is ready to harvest in just 5 to 7 days.

Carrots

If you enjoy eating carrot roots, you will enjoy the comparable taste they have in microgreen form. Carrot microgreens take a very long time to grow. About seven days to sprout, and an additional four weeks or more before they are ready to harvest.

Pea shoot

Pea shoot microgreens need to be soaked in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. Give them extra water since they will absorb a lot of it. Once in the soil, you should keep them in the dark for 3 to 5 days. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, or else they will start to rot. Pea shoots are ready to harvest between 12 to 16 days.