Beetroot microgreens are an excellent variety for first-time growers, beetroot microgreens are very easy to grow and are usually ready to harvest in 12 to 15 days from seed. They are also very nutritious containing many vitamins and minerals. There are three different types of beet microgreens:
Bull’s Blood
Early Wonder Tall Top
Yellow
Bull’s Blood is one of the more popular types of beet varieties. This variety produces microgreens with vibrant red color, much like the deep red color mature beets are known for. This is the variety we will be talking about how to grow.
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How To Grow Beetroot Microgreens
Now that you know what beetroot microgreens are let's get into the materials you are going to need in order to follow along in this guide.
You can grow beetroot microgreens with just a microgreen kit and a pack of beetroot seeds right by your window if you have a well-sunlit window. If not, then I recommend you get an LED grow light. You'll also need a wired shelf to place the LED grow lights under.
Materials Needed:
Containers: At Least 3 growing trays
Growing Medium: Such as soil or coco coir
Grow Lights: T8 Grow Lights are the way to go
Misting Water Bottle
Scissors
You'll only need to buy grow trays and grow lights once, after that you can reuse them over and over again for every grow. The only materials you'll need to buy again are the seeds of any microgreens you'll like to grow next and a growing medium such as coco coir. First start with some Beetroot seeds, I personally recommend getting beetroot seeds from Organo Republic as they have given me the most success.
Step 1. Soak The Seeds
Soaking the seeds before planting can speed up germination. Place them in water for at least 6 hours or leave them for up to 24 hours.
Step 2. Prepare The Grow Trays
Grab the growing tray with drainage holes and fill it with you're growing medium. Then smooth out the surface and mist it well with a spray bottle.
Step 3. Add The Seeds
Then add the seeds on top of the growing medium, and spread the seeds as evenly as possible across the surface.
Step 4. Blackout The Seeds
Beetroot requires a longer time than the average microgreen to mature. You will need some patience before you see them start to show off their beautiful stems and leaves. Just water the seeds one more time, do not top the seeds with soil, just place another container on top to blackout the seeds for 5 or 6 days.
Step 5. Check The Seeds
On day 2 or 3, check out how much the beetroot seeds have grown. If they're germinating and growing well, great! Just mist with water and put the cover tray back and wait until day 5 or 6 before removing the cover. Make sure to keep the seeds hydrated during this time.
Step 6. Uncover And Give Light
After day 5 or 6 if the seeds have sprouted evenly and have grown at least half an inch, Then they are now ready to grow into full microgreens. Next just give your beetroot microgreens at least 12 hours of light every day and they’ll quickly grow tall, I recommend using a grow light since growing them next to a window can cause your greens to lean and become leggy.
It's also important to use a watering tray at the bottom of the container to avoid any soil from splashing onto the plants and to avoid mold growth. To do this just simply grab another tray that doesn't have holes at the bottom and fill it with water so it can reach the roots of the microgreens.
How To Harvest Beetroot Microgreens
In 12 to 15 days the beet microgreens will be ready to harvest. Once they are around 3 inches tall, you can harvest them. They are best harvested with scissors, take the top two to three inches of shoots when harvesting. And there you go you have now successfully grown beetroot microgreens.
Washing and Drying Beetroot Microgreens
Use a colander to rinse your beetroot microgreens thoroughly under cold water. Dry the microgreens completely by spreading them over some paper towels and letting them air dry. You can also speed-dry them by using a fan on a slow setting. Cut microgreens are best if eaten right after drying.
How To Store Beetroot Microgreens
After you harvest your beetroot microgreens, you might wonder how you will store them. Just simply place them loosely in a bowl or container and put them in the refrigerator.
What Beetroot Microgreens can be used for
Bull's Blood beet is a very attractive microgreen that foodies and chefs love for its contrasting colors, distinctive earthy flavor, and crunchy yet juicy texture.
The microgreens taste like a sweet mix between root beets and spinach.
Beetroot microgreens can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. You can even juice them and add them to wheatgrass shots or even smoothies.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Microgreens
Beetroot microgreens have plenty of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and detox properties.
The list of health benefits includes the following:
1. Prevents Anemia
Anemia is a state in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to your body's tissues. Which can make you feel tired and weak without you even knowing what caused it. Beetroot microgreens contain significant amounts of iron, which helps carry oxygen to your body tissues and prevents anemia. (1)
2. Great For Bone Health
Vitamin K is essential for bone health, and beetroot microgreens contain a lot of it. A lack of vitamin K has been associated with an increased risk of fractures and reduced bone strength. (2)
3. Prevents Many Types Of Cancers
Beetroot contains betalains which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and has been found to prevent tumors from forming in the kidneys. (3)
4. Supports Cardiovascular System
Nitrates present in beetroot microgreens are a potent vasodilator in humans by increasing the blood flow of oxygen through our bodies which reduces blood pressure, and increases circulation. (4)
5. Promotes Heart Health
Beetroot microgreens also contain a lot of potassium as seen in the chart above, and potassium has been found to play an irreplaceable role in regulating the metabolism and keeping the heart and kidneys running smoothly. (5)
Beetroot Microgreens Nutritional Chart
Scientific Name: | Beta Vulgaris |
Calcium, Ca | 117 mg |
Magnesium, Mg | 70 mg |
Phosphorus, P | 41 mg |
Potassium, K | 762 mg |
Sodium, Na | 226 mg |
Iron, Fe | 2.57 mg |
Zinc, Zn | 0.38 mg |
Copper, Cu | 0.19 mg |
Manganese, Mn | 0.39 mg |
Vitamins per 100g of (FW) | |
Vitamin A | 6.7 mg |
Vitamin B-6 | 0.1 mg |
Vitamin C | 30 mg |
Vitamin E | 1.5 mg |
Vitamin K | 0.7 mg |
Antioxidants: | |
Beta-Carotene | 3.7 mg |
Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.5 mg |
Other Nutrients: | |
Protein | 2.2 g |
Fiber | 3.7 g |