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Baby greens are consumed when the leaves are small, tender, juicy and have a milder taste. Well suited for indoor and container gardening, baby greens need less space to grow compared to their mature counterparts.
One can add these bite-sized leaves to salads, pasta sauce or toss them into a smoothie. While baby greens may be smaller than their mature counterparts, they are highly nutritious. Here’s everything you need to know about these little greens.
Baby Greens vs Microgreens
Microgreens are a younger stage of the plant than baby greens. In other words, microgreens are usually harvested once their first true leaves appear. Baby greens, on the other hand, are the next stage of plant growth and they comprise more than the first set of true leaves. The average days to maturity up to baby leaves phase ranges between 25 to 40 days depending on the type of greens.
Baby leaves have become popular as ready-to-eat salad leaves for their bite-sized texture. Here’s how to grow baby greens at home.
Baby Leaves - Nutritional Value
Are baby leaves more nutritious than their mature counterparts? This question has been asked time and again. Some studies show that the earlier the leaves are harvested, the more nutritious they are. Other studies show that a few varieties of baby greens are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, etc.
However, the exact nutritional value of these baby greens may vary depending on their varieties and climatic conditions.
How to consume baby greens?
Baby greens are best consumed raw. Baby greens are delicate, flavourful and crunchy. They lose their nutritional value when cooked. Therefore, it is best to toss them into your salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or pizza toppings. Mature greens, on the other hand, should be cooked to break down the cellulose and increase the flavor.
End Note
Every type of green - from lettuce, kale, arugula, carrot to beets - can be consumed in their early stages. Baby greens can be easily grown on your window sills and these perfectly-shaped nutritious baby greens will make a great addition to your dishes. Grab high-quality baby green seeds from AllThatGrows and get growing!
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