Broccoli Microgreens: Tiny Greens, Big Mineral Potential

What if one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in your kitchen was only a week or two old?

This 2017 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition explored exactly that by comparing broccoli microgreens with mature broccoli. The researchers found that broccoli microgreens contained higher concentrations of several essential minerals including magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc regardless of whether they were grown hydroponically or in compost. Compost-grown microgreens also contained higher levels of phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, and sodium than mature broccoli.

Beyond nutrition, the researchers examined sustainability. Because broccoli microgreens are harvested just 7–14 days after germination, they require significantly less time to grow than mature broccoli. The study also estimated that producing an equivalent amount of mineral nutrition from broccoli microgreens could require dramatically less water than field-grown broccoli while eliminating the need for long-distance transportation, making them an exciting option for local food production.

The authors conclude that broccoli microgreens have the potential to provide a concentrated source of essential minerals while offering an environmentally efficient way to increase access to fresh, nutritious food; especially in urban communities.

Read the full research article to learn how broccoli microgreens compare to mature broccoli and why researchers believe they could play an important role in the future of sustainable nutrition.