Garlic chive microgreens have a vibrant burst of flavor that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights!
These tiny greens pack a punch with their intense garlic aroma and distinctively tangy taste.
Imagine adding a sprinkle of these emerald green wonders to your salads, soups, or stir-fries, instantly transforming them into gourmet delights. The versatility of garlic chive micro greens knows no bounds; they effortlessly complement a wide range of dishes, from pasta to sushi, giving each bite a delightful zing.
Growing garlic chive microgreens at home is not only easy but it can be a rewarding and fun experience.
You just need a little bit of effort and patience, to cultivate these miniature greens right on your kitchen countertop or windowsill.
The process is simple and quick, so it’s a perfect project for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
In a short space of time, you’ll witness the magic of nature unfold as these tiny seeds sprout into vibrant green shoots, ready to be harvested.
If you’d like to have the joy of nurturing your own mini garden and watching the delicate greens thrive under your care, read to find out more about how to grow garlic chive microgreens at home.
Garlic Chive Microgreens Profile
Garlic chive microgreens certainly do have a vibrant flavor and offer a nutrient-packed punch! They’re the young shoots of the garlic chive plant, scientifically known as Allium tuberosum.
One of the best things about it is that it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, which provide a healthy boost to your diet.
Growing garlic chive microgreens at home can really be fun. You’ll be amazed by how quickly they sprout and thrive with just a little TLC. Within 10 to 14 days, you’ll witness the magic of nature as these miniature greens shoot up, ready to be harvested.
No green thumb? No problem! Garlic chive microgreens are incredibly easy to cultivate.
Grab a shallow container, fill it with well-draining soil, and sprinkle the seeds. Keep them moist and bask them in sunlight or artificial light. Before you know it, you’ll have a flourishing mini-garden right on your kitchen countertop! Let’s find out more about growing these yummy greens.
Growing Chive Microgreens at Home
What Materials Do You Need to Grow Garlic Chive Microgreens?
Chive Microgreen Seeds: You will need to start with high-quality chive microgreen seeds, ensuring they are fresh and specifically meant for microgreen cultivation. These seeds will be the foundation of your flavorful crop.
Growing Trays or Containers: Choose shallow trays or containers with drainage holes to hold the growing medium and provide space for the chive microgreens to flourish. Opt for food-safe trays or repurpose containers like shallow plastic trays or even recycled household items.
Growing Medium: Select a suitable growing medium that provides a balance of moisture retention and good drainage. Consider options like peat moss, coco coir, or a lightweight soilless mix. Make sure it’s free from any contaminants and promotes healthy root development.
Watering Can or Spray Bottle: Maintain proper hydration for your chive microgreens by using a watering can with a fine spout or a spray bottle. This will help you evenly distribute water without causing damage to the delicate greens.
Light Source: Chive microgreens require adequate light for photosynthesis and healthy growth. Place your trays near a sunny window where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight each day. Alternatively, you can use artificial grow lights specifically designed for indoor gardening to provide the necessary light spectrum.
Humidity Dome or Plastic Wrap: Create a humid environment for your chive microgreens during the germination phase by using a humidity dome or covering the trays with plastic wrap. This helps retain moisture and encourages successful seed germination.
Plant Mister: Maintain optimal moisture levels by using a plant mister to gently spray water over the microgreens. This prevents overwatering and allows for even distribution of moisture.
Scissors or Harvesting Tool: When your chive microgreens reach the desired height (usually around 2-3 inches), it’s time to harvest them. Use a pair of clean scissors or a dedicated harvesting tool to snip the greens just above the soil line for a fresh and flavorful harvest.
Soaking Your Seeds
Chive microgreen seeds have a thin seed coat and do not have a hard outer shell like some larger seeds. The absence of a hard outer coating means that water can easily penetrate the seed and initiate the germination process without the need for pre-soaking.
Soaking seeds before planting is often done to soften the seed coat and promote faster germination. It can be beneficial for seeds with hard shells, as it helps to break down the protective barrier and encourage water absorption.
However, chive microgreen seeds have a naturally thin and permeable seed coat, allowing water to enter easily without any additional assistance.
The Planting Process
Planting your garlic chive microgreen seeds is thankfully a simple process.
It’s much better to start by preparing your growing trays or containers to make sure they have proper drainage.
This helps prevent waterlogging as excess water can accumulate in the tray without a means to drain away. This will saturate the growing medium, leading to root rot, fungal diseases, and poor plant growth. By allowing excess water to escape, proper drainage ensures a healthy growing environment for the microgreens.
Once you’ve completed this step, fill them with a well-draining growing medium, leaving space at the top.
I really love this part because it’s super easy. Simply scatter the garlic chive microgreen seeds evenly over the surface, gently pressing them into the soil.
Then water the seeds gently and thoroughly, maintaining even moisture without overwatering.
If you’d like, create a humid environment by using a cover or plastic wrap to promote germination.
Growing ( and Waiting)
Now it’s time to watch your plants grow.
Even after the initial watering process, you’ll still need to keep the seeds moist and provide adequate sunlight or artificial light for optimal growth.
Use grow lights if you have them as it’s much easier to manage their growth this way.
As you continue to water them, check to make sure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Harvesting Your Garlic Chive Microgreens
Yeah! It’s time to harvest your darlings!
Once these greens have reached a height of around 2-3 inches, you can harvest them and reap the rewards of your efforts.
Use your clean scissors or another harvesting tool, and carefully snip the microgreens just above the soil line.
The tender and aromatic leaves are ready to grace your culinary creations with their delightful garlic and chive essence!
As you harvest, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant green foliage you have nurtured from tiny seeds.
It must be nice to feel the satisfaction of growing your own nutritious and flavorsome microgreens right at home.
Once you’ve harvested them, try some immediately to enjoy their peak freshness and taste.
You could add them as a garnish to salads, soups, stir-fries, or sandwiches, to enhance your dishes with a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor.
The beauty of these garlic chive microgreens is not only their delectable taste but also the knowledge that you have cultivated them with your own hands.
Storing Your Greens
After harvesting your garlic chive microgreens, and trying a few, you probably would like to store a few.
Once they are all clean, gently pat them dry using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
To extend their shelf life, wrap the microgreens loosely in a dry paper towel and place them in a perforated plastic bag or an airtight container lined with a paper towel.
Just don’t pack them too tightly, because this can cause them to wilt or develop moisture.
Store the container in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer, where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Avoid storing them near fruits or vegetables that release ethylene gas, as it can accelerate the wilting process.
If you’d like to enjoy the maximum freshness and flavor, it’s recommended to use the garlic chive microgreens as soon as possible after harvesting.
Drying Microgreens
If you’d prefer to dry your microgreens you can start by spreading them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Set the dehydrator or oven to a low temperature (around 95°F/35°C) and allow the microgreens to dry for several hours until they become crisp and brittle. Store the dried microgreens in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use the dried garlic chive microgreens as a seasoning or add them to various dishes to infuse them with intense flavor.
Other Microgreens to Grow at Home
FAQ
How do you grow micro garlic chives?
Growing micro garlic chives is a fun and straightforward process! To grow them, start by filling shallow trays or containers with a well-draining growing medium. Scatter the garlic chive microgreen seeds evenly on the surface, gently pressing them into the soil. Water them gently and provide adequate light. Watch the magic happen as the seeds sprout and the microgreens rapidly grow. Keep them moist and harvest when they reach a height of 2-3 inches. Enjoy the fresh and flavorful garlic chive microgreens in your dishes!
What do Garlic Chive microgreens taste like?
Garlic chive microgreens have a distinct and delightful taste. They offer a mild and pleasant garlic flavor with hints of onion and chive. These microgreens add a flavorful kick to salads, soups, stir-fries, and more, elevating your culinary creations with their unique taste profile.
Are Garlic Chive seeds edible?
Yes, garlic chive seeds are edible. While the primary focus is usually on growing the microgreens, the seeds themselves can also be consumed. They have a mild garlic flavor and can be used in various culinary applications. However, keep in mind that the microgreens are typically the main highlight due to their tender and flavorful leaves.
Are garlic chives garlic sprouts?
Garlic chives and garlic sprouts are different. Garlic chives refer to the herbaceous plant known for its long, slender leaves with a mild garlic flavor. On the other hand, garlic sprouts are the young shoots that emerge from garlic cloves when they begin to sprout. Garlic sprouts have a more intense and distinct garlic flavor compared to garlic chives. Both have their own unique culinary uses and flavors.
Grow Garlic Chive Microgreens at Home
If you’re ready to start growing some easy plants at home, you can definitely start with these microgreens!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, as growing garlic chive microgreen can be really rewarding.
Their mild garlic flavor with hints of onion and chive will add a burst of deliciousness to your salads, soups, and other culinary creations.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your trays and seeds, and let the magic happen. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and revel in the satisfaction of growing your own nutritious and delectable garlic chive microgreens. Happy growing!
