Microgreens have become a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike due to their intense flavors, vibrant colors, and impressive nutrient profiles. While these tiny greens pack a punch in both taste and nutrition, they can also pack a hefty price tag when purchased from gourmet grocery stores. Fortunately, growing microgreens at home on your microgreen homestead can be both cost-effective and rewarding. In this article, we will explore the five most expensive microgreens, why they are priced so high, and how you can easily grow them at home to save money.
1. Red Amaranth Microgreens
Red amaranth is a stunning microgreen with deep red leaves and stems, offering a mild, earthy flavor. It’s highly sought after for its visual appeal and nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. In upscale markets, red amaranth microgreens can cost upwards of $50 per pound.
Why It’s Expensive: The striking color and delicate nature of red amaranth make it a favorite among chefs for garnishing dishes. Its short shelf life and the meticulous care required for harvesting and packaging contribute to its high price.
Growing at Home: Red amaranth is surprisingly easy to grow at home. It requires a well-draining soil medium and thrives in a warm environment with plenty of light. Within 7-10 days, you can harvest fresh red amaranth microgreens right from your microgreen homestead, cutting down your grocery bill and ensuring a fresh supply of this expensive delicacy.
2. Cilantro Microgreens
Cilantro microgreens, with their bright, citrusy flavor, are another high-priced microgreen, often fetching around $40-$50 per pound. These microgreens are popular in many cuisines, especially in Mexican and Asian dishes.
Why It’s Expensive: The labor-intensive nature of growing cilantro microgreens, coupled with their short shelf life, drives up the cost. Additionally, cilantro seeds take longer to germinate, requiring more time and effort from growers.
Growing at Home: Although cilantro microgreens take longer to grow (usually around 14-21 days), they are worth the wait. Start with a good-quality organic seed, and keep the growing medium consistently moist. With the right conditions, you can enjoy fresh cilantro microgreens at a fraction of the store-bought cost on your microgreen homestead.
3. Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower microgreens are known for their nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a popular addition to salads and sandwiches. They can cost between $30-$40 per pound in specialty stores.
Why It’s Expensive: Sunflower microgreens require larger seeds, which are more expensive and take up more space in growing trays. The seeds also need to be soaked before planting, adding extra steps to the growing process.
Growing at Home: Despite the higher cost of seeds, sunflower microgreens are one of the easiest to grow on your microgreen homestead. After soaking the seeds for 8-12 hours, plant them in a shallow tray with a soil medium. They are ready to harvest in about 10-14 days, providing you with a plentiful supply of these tasty greens at a minimal cost.
4. Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are tender, sweet microgreens that are rich in vitamins A, C, and folic acid. They are a staple in Asian cuisine and can cost around $25-$35 per pound in markets.
Why It’s Expensive: The delicate nature of pea shoots makes them difficult to store and transport, which contributes to their higher price. Additionally, they require a longer growing period compared to other microgreens.
Growing at Home: Pea shoots are relatively simple to grow on your microgreen homestead. They prefer a cooler growing environment and need consistent moisture to thrive. Within 10-14 days, you can harvest these nutritious microgreens, saving a significant amount of money while enjoying fresh, homegrown produce.
5. Basil Microgreens
Basil microgreens are aromatic and flavorful, adding a burst of freshness to any dish. They are often priced at $30-$40 per pound, making them one of the more expensive microgreens available.
Why It’s Expensive: Basil microgreens are delicate and have a limited shelf life. The seeds are also pricier, and the growing process requires careful attention to humidity and temperature.
Growing at Home: Basil microgreens can be a bit more challenging to grow, but with the right conditions, they can thrive on your microgreen homestead. Use a light soil mix and ensure the seeds are kept moist but not waterlogged. With adequate warmth and light, you can harvest fresh basil microgreens in about 10-14 days, providing a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties.
In a nut-shell
Growing your own microgreens on your microgreen homestead is not only a great way to save money but also a rewarding hobby that provides you with fresh, nutritious greens year-round. By cultivating these five expensive microgreens at home, you can enjoy their flavors and health benefits without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these microgreens offer an easy and cost-effective entry into the world of homegrown produce. So, why not turn your kitchen into a microgreen homestead and start growing today?
Of course pairing a microgreen homestead with hydroponic farming would be the most ideal, check our our article here: Hydroponic Farming: 10 Benefits of Growing Your Own Delicious Food
Hydroponic Farming: 10 Benefits of Growing Your Own Delicious Food