If you are thinking of starting a green house, getting advice on how to sanitize microgreen seeds before planting will come in handy. These small but potent herbs can be used as a culinary flavoring and as organic pesticides. Some studies say that eating five pounds of microgreens every three weeks can improve your health and reduce your risk for cancer. They can also be used in food preservation and at home composting.
To learn how to sanitize microgreen seeds, the first step is to find some seedlings or seedling bulbs to plant. Seedlings do not contain the pollen or other compounds that can affect you when you eat them, so they are safer. Buy unsubsidized seed mixes from a local garden center. Or, try growing your own. Fresh seedlings can be stored in a refrigerator for up to a year.
It is important to remember that the tiny white “seeds” that are microgreen belong to the same family as cucumbers, potatoes, and tomatoes. And just like any other vegetable, they can cause you some problems when you try to eat them. Because they lack flavor, many people mistakenly believe that cooking them will destroy their potency. The truth is, while there may be some astringent taste to the herb, it is really more of a pungent aroma. Try simmering small amounts of it in water instead of washing it away in your dishes.
For use in recipes, only dry the microgreen seeds with a paper towel or cheesecloth dipped in alcohol. This way, no moisture is trapped within. Some people add a few drops of olive oil to the water before using it. You will get an oil that has a very pungent quality, but this is not necessary. Just don’t let the herb get watered down. It will retain a sharp flavor all throughout the season.
As far as how to use the seeds, that’s another story. See, many cooks believe that you should boil the seeds until they’re nearly liquid. But that’s a little too aggressive. If you let them sit, they will develop a fuller flavor. You should drain them and spread them on a cracker or a piece of bread before using.
Another suggestion is to add them to a pot of water. The idea is to stir the seeds, as this will help break up the clumps. Then, strain the mixture. Don’t use too much water; you want the seeds to remain in their natural state. Use fresh herbs each time you cook. The oils from the herbs will protect the seeds from bacterial contamination.
You can also use the seeds in chili. Just add a little at a time and let them sit for a few minutes. You can add them to soups and stews. They’ll work wonders there.
There are other uses for how to sanitize microgreen seeds. You could use them in your compost pile. Or you could put a couple in a bag of soil and turn it every couple weeks. The idea is to give the seeds some time to begin producing enzymes. Once they’ve done this, you can start using them.
There are different ways of sprouting seeds. Some people will let the seeds sprout directly out of the pot. Others will put the seeds in a paper towel and allow them to drain for a few days. But if you’re new to gardening, then you should probably just use an airtight container. A glass jar will be fine.
When learning how to sanitize microgreen seeds, it’s important to remember that any type of oil or vinegar that you use will need to be thoroughly mixed with water first. If you over-do either ingredient, the result will be an unhealthy smell. It will also likely be messy.
Learning how to sanitize microgreen seeds will make growing your own herbs much easier. This article has given you a general overview, but by no means can this be all you need to know. However, it’s definitely worth checking out the site for additional information.