What is the Difference Between Sprouts and Microgreens

The main difference between sprouts and microgreens is that the germination of sprouts takes 5-7 days, whereas the germination of microgreens takes 1-2 weeks. 

Sprouts and microgreens are two stages of seed germination. Both are edible. They do not need extra soil or nutrients to grow. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Sprouts
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What are Microgreens
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Sprouts and Microgreens
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Sprouts and Microgreens
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms  

Microgreens, Sprouts

What are Sprouts

Sprouts are a phase of seed germination occurring during the growth of regular green plants. Importantly, the growth of sprouts does not require extra nutrients or putting them in the soil for growth. However, plants store energy in the seeds for their germination. Also, sprouts need intense humidity as well as indirect sunlight to thrive. However, sprouts need to be rinsed thoroughly to avoid bacterial growth. Therefore, they need a bright place with indirect sunlight when sprouts germinate. Then, the sprouts produce green leaves. Sprouts require 4-6 days to complete the growth and are ready for harvesting. At this point, sprouts can be rinsed thoroughly with water, dried, and drained as much as possible.

Figure 1: Mung Bean Sprouts 

Furthermore, spouts are important for adding to sandwiches and garnishing salads. Also, they can be sauteed for dishes. On the other hand, sprouts are full of protein and fiber. However, they do not have a good flavor like microgreens. 

What are Microgreens

Microgreens are regular green plants growing from seeds. However, they take weeks to grow. In contrast to sprouts, microgreens contain baby leaves. They can be grown in soil or watered places under artificial or natural sunlight. Little plants germinated from seeds turn green when placed under light. Another key feature of microgreens is the appearance of leaves, typically about 2-4 inches high. Further, microgreens require more ventilation and sunlight, but they have less chance for bacterial growth. Therefore, the harvesting time for the microgreens is when the baby leaves become green. Microgreens are harvested by grasping the plants from one hand and trimming the stems just above the soil level. The duration of the growth is 1-2 weeks.

Figure 2: Microgreens

Moreover, microgreens are important to use in toco and smoothie. They are also important in garnishing salads. However, cooking microgreens can reduce the protein content and potent nutrients and vitamins. 

Similarities Between Sprouts and Microgreens

• Sprouts and microgreens are two edible forms of plants.
• They occur during the germination of seeds.
• However, they need less soil or nutrients to grow. 

Difference Between Sprouts and Microgreens

Definition

Sprouts refer to a shoot of a plant, while microgreens refer to the shoots of salad vegetables such as rocket, celery, beetroot, etc., picked just after the first leaves have developed.

Germination Time

Germination of sprouts takes 5-7 days, while germination of microgreens takes 1-2 weeks. 

Medium of Germination

Germination occurs in water in sprouts, while germination of microgreens occurs in soil or water.

Parts to Eat

The sprouts are edible, including the seed, while only leaves and stems are edible in microgreens. 

Form of Consumption

Sprouts are eaten slightly steamed, while microgreens are eaten raw. 

Growing Medium

Sprouts are needed to be soaked and rinsed with water, while microgreens are grown in soil-like materials such as peat moss. 

Sunlight

Sprouts need dark and moist conditions to grow, while microgreens need good sunlight, less humidity, and less air circulation. 

Growing

Many seeds are put together in sprouts, while microgreens are planted with low seed density. 

Conclusion

In brief, sprouts and microgreens are two edible parts of plants. The germination of sprouts takes 5-7 days, and it occurs in water. Everything of sprouts is edible and can be eaten slightly steamed. For growing, seeds needed to be soaked and rinsed with water. They need dark and moist conditions to grow. A large number of seeds are put together in sprouts. In comparison, microgreens require 1-2 weeks to grow. Their germination can occur in soil or water. However, only leaves and stems are edible in microgreens. They can be eaten raw. Also, they can be grown in soil-like materials such as peat moss. Apart from that, microgreens require good sunlight for growth, less humidity, and less air circulation. Further, they are grown with low seed density. Therefore, the main difference between sprouts and microgreens is their germination time.    

References:

1. Blog, A. (n.d.). Microgreens vs sprouts. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Mung bean (sprouts)” By Thomas.haslwanter – Own Work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Microgreens” By Idéalités – Own work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia