Broccoli (seed for germination)

You can use broccoli microgreens in a wide variety of dishes.
Eat raw and place it on a sandwich, soup, salads, or just as a pretty decoration.
If you don't want to eat it raw, you can steam it or fry it.
When you cook broccoli over very low heat for only about 5 minutes, all the nutrients will be retained.

* Young sprouts of broccoli cabbage contain a huge amount of ascorbic acid, vitamins B, E, K, A and U, fiber, methionine, zinc, iron, iodine, manganese and other useful substances. Eating broccoli microgreens has a beneficial effect on the health of the eyes, heart and skin, and also helps prevent cancer.

To grow broccoli microgreens at home, you need to decide on a growing method. Although growing broccoli hydroponically is the preferred method, the plants can also be grown in soil. There is no need to soak the seeds, and the tray should be kept covered for the first few days.
Tip: If you sprout broccoli without access to light for the first 4 days, the microgreens will be long and beautiful. These plants are very easy to grow.
The ideal room temperature for sprouting seeds is about +21 °C. The substrate must be kept moist, avoiding it drying out or being too wet. It is recommended to mist the plants 1-2 times a day, especially if the soil is deep, to reduce the frequency of watering. Growing broccoli is not a labor-intensive process, but it is important not to allow the substrate to dry out. When the roots begin to sprout, you will notice thin white threads on them, which should not be confused with mold - these are root hairs. Broccoli microgreens can be harvested as soon as the first pair of true leaves appear on the shoots.
Young broccoli shoots, filled with nutrients, look especially attractive at this time and can be a great addition to almost any dish. Broccoli microgreens contain 5 times more nutrients than a mature plant. The fresher it is, the better the nutrient profile.
The taste of the greens is slightly bitter and is due to the presence of a compound called sulforaphane. This compound is very beneficial for health, as sulforaphane has been found to reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, the presence of sulforaphane lowers blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of type II diabetes, as well as reduce the body's ability to store fat. This is why broccoli microgreens are so beneficial for health.
Broccoli greens contain many beneficial substances. For example, broccoli microgreens are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight various diseases. Broccoli greens also contain a lot of vitamin A, which is good for the health of the eyes and bones. Antioxidants contained in broccoli can help prevent the development of cancer and other age-related diseases. In addition, broccoli microgreens improve oxygen absorption, which can help with intense workouts or asthma attacks.

When harvesting broccoli microgreens, you can simply cut off young shoots with a sharp knife or scissors at a level of 2 cm above the ground. It is best to eat them raw after rinsing the greens in cold water. Such microgreens can be added to a salad, put on a sandwich or garnished with soup. Young broccoli shoots are slightly bitter due to the sulforaphane they contain, but this bitterness is rather noble, which makes them a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
Storing greens is an important issue. The best option is to use the greens immediately after trimming. If you haven't treated your plants with chemicals in the last 8-12 hours, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic bag. If the greens are damp, you can dry them by placing them between two layers of kitchen paper. Microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if prepared correctly.