Have you ever tried Alfalfa microgreens?
Well, if you haven’t, you’re definitely missing out!
Alfalfa microgreens are the ultimate superfood for health-conscious foodies!
Bursting with a fresh, nutty flavor, these little greens are filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Did you know that alfalfa microgreens are incredibly easy to grow at home?
Yes!
Any new gardener can give these a try and start reaping the rewards in no time.
So let’s dive in and find out how to grow these yummy greens at home!
What are Alfalfa Microgreens Anyway?
Interested in growing these greens but not too sure what they are?
Well, alfalfa microgreens are young and tender plants that are grown from the seeds of the alfalfa plant. They are harvested when they are only a few inches tall and have just developed their first set of true leaves.
They are one of the best plants to grow because they’re super easy to manage and have become popular among home gardeners recently.
Can You Eat Alfalfa Microgreens?
Yes, you can eat alfalfa microgreens. In fact, they are quite nutritious and tasty. Alfalfa microgreens have a mild, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, which makes them a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Yummy!
Health Benefits of Alfalfa Microgreens
As with all other microgreens, alfalfa microgreens are VERY healthy and you’ll want to know what you’re benefiting from before growing these greens.
Alfalfa microgreens are known for their impressive nutritional profile and offer several potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming alfalfa microgreens:
Rich in Antioxidants
Alfalfa microgreens are loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radicals that can cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
Support Heart Health
Alfalfa microgreens contain compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, both of which are important factors for maintaining heart health.
Aids Digestion
Alfalfa microgreens are a good source of fiber, which can promote digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements and reducing constipation.
Supports Bone Health
Alfalfa microgreens are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are all important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Support Immune Function
Alfalfa microgreens contain several vitamins and minerals that can help support immune function, including vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium.
Equipment Needed to Grow Alfalfa Microgreens
Growing alfalfa microgreens requires very few materials, making it a simple and cost-effective way to start growing them in your garden.
Alfalfa Seeds
If you’re growing alfalfa microgreens, you definitely need seeds and it’s not hard to find them.
Head to your local seed shop or hardware store and purchase high-quality, organic alfalfa seeds.
You can also purchase alfalfa seed specifically labeled for microgreens to ensure the best germination and growth.
Growing Container
Alfalfa microgreens can be grown in different types of containers, including plastic trays, shallow dishes, or even recycled plastic containers.
You don’t need any expensive containers to start growing your greens and that makes this so much easier.
Just make sure the container has drainage holes or use a hydroponic system.
Growing Medium
Are you planning to grow alfalfa microgreens in soil or hydroponically?
If you’re using soil, choose a high-quality potting soil that’s free from contaminants and mixes easily.
You can also purchase a growing mat that can be placed in the container instead of soil.
For hydroponics, you will need a hydroponic growing medium such as coconut coir or rockwool.
Water
Alfalfa microgreens need to be watered regularly to keep the growing medium moist.
A spray bottle can be used to mist the seeds and keep them hydrated without disturbing the seeds.
Light Source
Your microgreens need plenty of light to grow. You can use a sunny window or use grow lights. If using grow lights, choose a full-spectrum LED light that provides the correct spectrum of light for optimal growth.
Humidity Dome
A humidity dome is a clear plastic cover that fits over the growing container and creates a humid environment to help the seeds germinate.
You can purchase a humidity dome or use a clear plastic bag or wrap.
As you can see, growing alfalfa microgreens requires very few materials, so it’s something that anyone can do without spending a lot of money.
How to Grow Alfalfa Microgreens
Soaking Seeds
Firstly, you’ll need to measure out the desired amount of alfalfa seeds for your microgreen tray. It’s recommended to use around one to two tablespoons of seeds per tray, depending on the size of your tray of course.
Next, rinse the seeds thoroughly under running water using a fine mesh strainer. This will remove any dust or debris that may be on the seeds and help improve the germination rate.
After rinsing the seeds, place them in a container or bowl and cover them with room-temperature water. Make sure the seeds are completely submerged in the water. You can add a small amount of liquid kelp or other organic seed-starting solution to the water to help stimulate growth.
It’s best if you soak the seeds for at least 8 hours, but no more than 12 hours. Don’t exceed the recommended soaking time, as this can cause the seeds to become waterlogged and prevent them from germinating. Place them in a sprouter to encourage germination.
Germinate Seeds
After using the sprouter, prepare your growing medium by adding a layer of moistened soil or hydroponic medium to the bottom of your tray. The medium should be damp but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to mold or other issues.
Evenly distribute the seeds over the growing medium. Be sure to space them out evenly to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to poor germination and stunted growth.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or growing medium to help them retain moisture and promote germination.
Place the tray in a warm, dark location for the first few days to encourage germination. Ideally, the temperature should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a humidity dome or clear plastic wrap to create a humid environment that will help the seeds germinate.
Harvesting Microgreens
Alfalfa microgreens are typically ready for harvest around 7-10 days after germination, depending on the growing conditions and desired size. You want to harvest them before they begin to yellow or develop their first true leaves.
To harvest your alfalfa microgreens, you will need a pair of sharp scissors or shears. You may also want a tray or container to collect your harvested greens.
Using your scissors or shears, cut the alfalfa microgreens just above the soil line. Be sure to cut as close to the soil as possible to avoid leaving any stem or root behind. Avoid pulling the greens out of the soil, as this can disturb the roots of neighboring plants.
As you harvest your microgreens, place them into your collection tray or container. Be sure to handle them gently to avoid bruising or damaging the delicate leaves.
Once you have harvested your microgreens, rinse them gently under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel, taking care not to crush or damage the leaves.
Dehulling Alfalfa Microgreens
De-hulling alfalfa microgreens is an important step in the harvesting process.
To do this, you will need a large bowl and a strainer. First, pour your freshly harvested microgreens into the bowl. Fill the bowl with water and use your hands to gently swirl the microgreens around. This will help to loosen the hulls from the plants.
Next, pour the contents of the bowl through the strainer. You will notice that the hulls will start to float to the top of the water while the microgreens sink to the bottom. Use your hands or a spoon to gently scoop the hulls off the top of the water and discard them.
Repeat this process a few times until all of the hulls have been removed from your microgreens. Once you have removed all of the hulls, give your microgreens a final rinse in clean water to remove any remaining debris or hulls.
Storing Alfalfa Microgreens
After harvesting and rinsing, it’s important to store your alfalfa microgreens properly to extend their shelf life.
Place them in an airtight container or plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 7-10 days, depending on the freshness of the greens and the storage conditions.
Another option you have is dehydrating your microgreens for later use.
Other Microgreens for Gardeners to Grow:
Frequently Asked Questions about Alfalfa Microgreens
Can you Grow Alfalfa as a Microgreen?
Yes, alfalfa can be grown as a microgreen. In fact, it is one of the most popular and easy-to-grow microgreens.
To grow alfalfa microgreens, you will need to start by soaking the seeds for several hours in water. Then, you can spread the seeds over a growing medium such as soil or coconut coir in a tray. It is important to keep the growing medium moist and to provide adequate lighting.
How Long Do Alfalfa Microgreens Take to Grow
Alfalfa microgreens typically take about 5 to 7 days to grow from the time the seeds are soaked and planted to the time they are ready to be harvested.
However, the exact time it takes for them to grow can vary depending on factors such as temperature, light, and moisture levels.
It’s important to monitor the growth of the microgreens closely and adjust these factors as needed to ensure optimal growth and development. Once the microgreens have reached the desired size and the leaves have opened up, they are ready to be harvested and enjoyed.
Are Microgreens the Same as Alfalfa Sprouts?
With all this talk about greens and such, it can be a bit difficult to know the differences.
Microgreens and alfalfa sprouts are similar in that they are both young plants that are harvested at an early stage of growth, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Alfalfa sprouts are typically grown in a jar or sprouter, and are harvested when they are only a few days old. They have a crunchy texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Microgreens, on the other hand, are grown in soil or another growing medium, and are allowed to grow for slightly longer than sprouts.
They are usually harvested after a week or two of growth, when the first true leaves have formed. Microgreens are often used as a garnish or ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, and can have a variety of flavors depending on the type of plant being grown.
Also, alfalfa sprouts are usually consumed raw and uncooked, while alfalfa microgreens are often cooked or added to dishes as a flavor component. Additionally, alfalfa sprouts are often grown without soil, while alfalfa microgreens are typically grown in soil or another growing medium.
Overall, while there are some similarities between alfalfa sprouts and microgreens, they are not exactly the same thing and are used in slightly different ways.
Grow Your Green Thumb with Alfalfa Microgreens!
If you’re someone looking to grow a small garden or trying to sharpen your green thumb, growing microgreens is a fantastic start.
Remember that you just need a few basic materials and a little patience, to enjoy fresh and nutritious microgreens in as little as a week.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, alfalfa microgreens are a great choice to add to your repertoire.
Let’s get on our gardening gloves and head out, shall we?
