When it comes to microgreens, proper storage is essential for preserving the freshness and flavor of these delicate greens. They are highly perishable and can quickly spoil if not stored properly.
Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques that can help keep your microgreens fresh and delicious. Today, you’ll discover the best ways to store microgreens in order to ensure the longest shelf life and best flavor.
This will include container type, proper refrigerator temperature, and proper air circulation to help you get the most out of your microgreens. Whether you’re a home chef or a restaurant owner, this post will give you the information you need to keep your microgreens fresher for longer.
Best Ways to Store Microgreens to Keep Them for Longer
1. Harvest Quantities as Needed
Do you grow microgreens by your kitchen window? One of the best ways to store microgreens is to use only what you need at a time. When you have a tray with microgreens by your window, only use the little you need at that time. This way, you’ll have fresh microgreens and a lot more left over for the next day.
You won’t have to worry about actually storing them away because you’ll just cut, prep and eat! One of the best parts is that you get to enjoy them in their most nourishing form – how great is that?!
You may want to use a smaller tray to grow your microgreens, but it’s totally up to you. A big tray can work as well, but you’ll need to be aware of the harvesting time frame.
2. Choose a Container That Allows Air to Circulate
One of the best ways to store microgreens is to choose a container that allows air to circulate. If you’re storing microgreens in a sealed container, they will not receive the oxygen they need and will quickly wilt.
It’s best to choose a container that is open on the top or has holes poked in the sides to allow air to move through. If possible, use a clear container to easily see if it’s wilting. This will help keep your microgreens fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.
If you would prefer to use a sealed container, it’s best to allow air in at allotted times, say every 3 days or so. This way, the microgreens can retain moisture, which prevents them from drying out or reducing their shelf life.
3. Prep Microgreens the Right Way After Harvesting
Who doesn’t want longer-living greens? The problem is finding optimal ways to keep them in storage for longer. One way to store your microgreens for longer involves prepping them correctly.
The first step is to gently rinse the microgreens in cool water and then dry them thoroughly. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the microgreens. Some harvesters may prefer to keep them dry after cutting and only wash them right before use, but this is a matter of preference.
After the microgreens are dried, it’s best to wrap them in a light cloth or paper towel, put them in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator. This way, the microgreens will stay fresh and crisp for days. Yummy, yummy!
You’ll still want to pay special attention to ventilation to ensure the container you use is well-ventilated because microgreens need some airflow to stay fresh. Containers with a breathable lid, such as those lined with paper towels, are ideal.
You can also use plastic containers with holes punched in the lid to allow air to circulate. Proper ventilation will help keep your microgreens fresh longer, so it’s a step you won’t want to overlook.
4. Dehydrating Microgreens
Dehydrated microgreens is a fantastic way to store and preserve the exquisite flavors and aromas of these delicate plants. Microgreens, dehydrated to perfection, maintain their vibrant colors and flavors, allowing you to enjoy them months after harvesting.
Their delicate texture lends them to a variety of uses, from adding a unique flavor to soups and stews to bringing a delicate garnish to a meal.
Dehydrated microgreens can preserve the bounty of your garden for months to come. Here are a few dehydrated microgreens that you may want to try.
How to Dehydrate Your Microgreens
- Dehydrating microgreens is a simple process that involves removing the moisture from the leaves. Here’s how to easily dehydrate microgreens:
- Rinse the microgreens with cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Spread the microgreens out on a dehydrator tray in a single layer. Be sure to leave some space between the leaves so that air can circulate freely.
- Set the dehydrator to a temperature between 95-115°F (35-46°C). It may take anywhere from 2-6 hours to fully dehydrate the microgreens, depending on the humidity level in your area and the type of dehydrator you’re using.
- Check on the microgreens periodically to ensure that they are dehydrating evenly. You can test them by gently squeezing a few leaves to see if they are dry and brittle.
- Once the microgreens are fully dehydrated, remove them from the dehydrator and store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for several months if stored in a cool, dry place.
- Note: If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also air-dry microgreens by spreading them out on a wire rack or clean towel in a warm, well-ventilated area. It may take longer to dry them using this method, but the end result is the same.
5. Refrigerating Microgreens
You can refrigerate microgreens to maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life. It’s easy to do and can be done in a few simple steps.
- Prepare your microgreens by sorting through them and removing any wilted or discolored leaves. Make sure to rinse the microgreens thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris before storing them.
- Then, dry them off with a paper towel or kitchen cloth as excess moisture can cause them to spoil quicker. Next, place the microgreens in a storage container with a lid, such as an airtight plastic container.
- Lastly, store the container in the refrigerator. To ensure optimum freshness, try to use the microgreens within a few days of refrigerating them. The ideal temperature for storing microgreens is between 32-40°F (0-4°C). Of course, this will depend on the type of refrigerator you have.
- Additionally, you can also freeze microgreens to extend their shelf life even further. Just make sure to blanch them first before freezing, and they should last a bit longer.
- Note: Check the microgreens every few days and remove any that appear wilted or discolored. Use the microgreens within 10-12 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Overall, handling microgreens carefully is important to prevent damage or bruising, which can accelerate spoilage. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh microgreens for several days.
Additional Tips for Storing Microgreens
Wrap microgreens loosely in a paper towel or muslin cloth
Another way to keep microgreens in storage for longer is to wrap them loosely in a paper towel or muslin cloth. This method is great for keeping moisture in and preventing mold from forming, while also allowing some air to circulate.
The cloth or paper towel should be damp, and the greens should be wrapped loosely so that they’re not too restricted. This method can keep your microgreens fresh and crisp for up to two weeks.
Place Microgreens in an Ideal Container
The container should be airtight and preferably made of glass or plastic, as metals can react with the greens and cause discoloration. It is essential to keep the microgreens in the dark and at a temperature of 40-45°F.
The container should be lined with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture and prevent the microgreens from becoming soggy. Using these simple steps, you can easily store your microgreens and enjoy them for up to two weeks.
Place the Container in a Spot With Consistent Temperature in the Fridge
Once you have purchased your microgreens, one of the best ways to store them is to place the container in the fridge. This helps to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity, ensuring your microgreens are in the best condition to stay fresh.
Make sure that the temperature of the fridge remains consistent, and avoid any areas where there are fluctuations in temperature.
Check Your Microgreens Regularly to Monitor Freshness
Checking the freshness of your microgreens periodically is key. They are highly perishable and should be checked regularly to ensure they stay fresh as long as possible.
Check the microgreens for discoloration, wilting, and sliminess, which are all signs of spoilage. Discard any microgreens that show signs of spoilage, as they could cause foodborne illness.
Consume Your Microgreens within Two Weeks of Storing Them.
For the best nutrition and safety, it’s best to consume your microgreens in about 10-12 days if refrigerated. Remember that they need to be kept moist so that they don’t dry out. This way, they’ll be consumed while they are at the peak of freshness and flavor.
Best Ways to Store Your Microgreens so They Last Longer
As you can see, microgreens are an incredibly nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure your microgreens are stored properly and remain fresh for as long as possible.
Keeping your microgreens in a well-ventilated container, away from direct sunlight, and in the refrigerator are the best ways to store them. With these simple steps, your microgreens will stay fresh and tasty for days to come.
