Microgreens’ nutrients, taste and color impacted by growth environment

17 Feb 2022 --- Environmental conditions can affect the nutrient content of broccoli and kale microgreens. This is according to researchers from US-based ACS Food Science and Technology who observed that kale and broccoli microgreens had variable amounts of phytonutrient compound content when comparing the two growth environments.

Additionally, this growth environment can impact the microgreens’ flavor and health benefits.

Fully-grown microgreens are rich in vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals. However, not much was known about the levels of these compounds in young microgreens.

The US Department of Agriculture funded the study.

Controlled growth chamber environment
The broccoli and kale seeds were planted and placed on a windowsill in natural sunlight for 12 hours a day during the research process. A seperate sample was placed in a temperature and humidity-controlled growth chamber refrigerator with artificial sunlight.

After ten days, the broccoli and kale microgreens were rich in polyphenols and glucosinolates regardless of how they were grown.Researchers observe that microgreens are becoming more popular in indoor gardening settings.

There was a higher amount of three flavonol compounds in the windowsill-grown microgreens that make up the plant’s dark color and bitter taste. This was in comparison to the chamber-grown plants with higher levels of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates have antioxidant and anticancer-related compounds.

Building on previous investigations
A previous study conducted by the researchers had observed that red cabbage microgreens, as compared to full-grown vegetables, had higher phytonutrients, including polyphenols and glucosinolates.

Similar assessments on other Brassica – broccoli, kale, cabbage and mustard – seedlings had not been conducted yet.

The researchers, therefore, wanted to measure the polyphenols and glucosinolates levels in broccoli and kale microgreens and compare data from those grown on windowsills to those raised in commercial growth chambers.

Microgreens gaining popularity
Previously, a US study highlighted that microgreens are gaining popularity as a functional food and they may aid in tackling nutrition issues. This follows a separate Colorado State University study that highlighted microgreens are becoming popular as they can be grown indoors and require little water.

Also, Future Crops unveiled an automated system used to grow herbs and microgreens that are free of pesticides.

By Nicole Kerr