Welcome to our guide on growing radish microgreens! Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll take you through everything you need to know, from the materials you'll need to how to harvest and store your microgreens.
Radish microgreens are the speed demons of the microgreen world. They grow faster than any other microgreens and can be harvested in as little as one week. Don't let their size fool you, they pack a punch in terms of flavor. With a spicy taste reminiscent of their full-sized counterparts, these microgreens can add a delightful crunch to any meal.
Not only are they tasty, but they're also packed with health benefits. They're low in calories and high in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and calcium. They're also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from harmful free radicals.
Radish microgreens are versatile too. You can add them to soups, salads, and sandwiches for a zesty kick, or use them as a garnish to add a pop of color and flavor to your favorite dishes.
So let's get started! We'll show you how to grow radish microgreens, and before you know it, you'll be harvesting your own crop of spicy and nutritious microgreens.
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How To Grow Radish Microgreens
Now that you know what radish microgreens are let's get into the materials you are going to need to follow along in this guide.
You can grow radish microgreens with just a microgreen kit and a pack of radish 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
First start with some radish microgreen seeds, I personally recommend the Radish Seeds from Organo Republic as they have given me the most success. Although you can use any radish seeds you may already have.
Step 1. Prepare The Growing Tray
Start with 2 10 by 20-inch growing trays, one will be beneath the other filled with water. While the one above will have drainage holes so the water can reach the roots of the microgreens. This will prevent mold growth and overall just make the growing process so much easier.
Do not add water to the one below yet, first grab the tray without drainage holes and fill it with coco coir. Then smooth out the surface and mist it well with a spray bottle. If you don't have a spray bottle then just sprinkle water over the coco coir until it is well moisturized.
To make the tray with drainage holes get a very sharp knife and slowly poke out small holes, simple and easy.
Step 2. Add The Seeds
Radish seeds are very small in size, it is very easy to plant a lot of these seeds so be careful when planting. Just sprinkle the seeds on top of the coco coir and spread the seeds well leaving some gaps in the cluster of seeds.
Step 3. Water and Cover The Seeds
Then just cover the seeds with more coco coir and flatten out the surface. Even if you don't cover all the seeds they will still grow really well. Then just water one more time.
Step. 4 Check Daily
Your microgreens should have the right balance of water from now till harvest. Now is the time to stop using the spray bottle and start adding water to the second tray below. This will prevent you from getting the leaves wet and prevent mold from growing.
Once they sprout all you have to do now is just give your radish microgreens at least 12 hours of light every day. Radish microgreens grow very fast and should be ready to harvest in a couple of days.
How To Harvest Radish Microgreens
Once the radish microgreens are about 3 inches tall they are ready to harvest. Now it's time to move your trays to a cool, shady place. If your microgreens are harvested when it is too hot, they will wilt very quickly after harvesting. If harvested when cool (late evening, early morning), they will tend to stay fresh and crisp.
Simply cut about half an inch above the coco coir, and there you go you have now successfully grown radish microgreens! Pretty easy right?
If you decide to let them grow larger, they get leafier, and then they get less crunchy. You can taste-test them and decide when you think they are ready for you.
Washing and Drying Radish Microgreens
Use a colander to rinse your radish 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, but can be stored loosely in a bowl in the refrigerator for several days. Do not try to refrigerate microgreens that are not completely dry.
How To Store Radish Microgreens
After you harvest your radish 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 Radish Microgreens can be used for
Radish Microgreens can boost the flavor of salads, sandwiches, and even soups.
They can also be added to spring rolls, burgers, and wraps.
Health Benefits of Radish Microgreens
Due to all their nutritional content, they contain many health benefits including cardiovascular, cancer preventive, and weight loss benefits.
1. Prevents Diseases
Radish microgreens have an abundant amount of micronutrients and other phytochemicals which possess antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are necessary for fighting against oxidative stress and stopping chronic diseases in the body. (1)
2. Boost Immunity
Vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system that are important for protecting your cells from harm by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals. Thus strengthening your immune system, and helping wounds heal faster. (2)
3. Great For Losing Weight
The leaves of radish microgreens are low in calories, but high in fiber and are packed with nutrients. This indicates that a salad of these greens will help you feel full, thus reducing your tendency to snack between meals and overeat.
4. Enhance Liver Health
Radish microgreens are known to detoxify the body by stimulating urination and enhancing liver function. By helping the body more effectively clean toxins from the blood, these leaves will further relieve unnecessary stress on the immune system.
5. Protects Your Memory And Thinking
As I said before, radish microgreens contain Vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant and has been observed to possess a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age. (3)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are radish microgreens good for?
Radish microgreens are not only easy to grow but are also packed with nutrients and offer several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming radish microgreens:
Rich in nutrients: Radish microgreens are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Antioxidant properties: Radish microgreens are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Radish microgreens contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Digestive health: Radish microgreens are a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health.
Cardiovascular health: Studies have shown that consuming radish microgreens may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Immune system support: Radish microgreens are a good source of vitamin C, which can help support the immune system and protect against infections.
Weight management: Radish microgreens are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight management.
Overall, radish microgreens can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
How healthy are radish microgreens?
Radish microgreens are packed with nutrients and have been found to have numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Radish microgreens are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
In addition to their nutrient content, radish microgreens are also low in calories and high in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight. The spicy flavor of radish microgreens is due to the presence of compounds such as glucosinolates, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Overall, radish microgreens are a nutritious and healthy addition to any diet, and their unique flavor can add a spicy kick to many dishes.
Can you eat radish microgreens raw?
Yes, you can eat radish microgreens raw. In fact, they are often consumed raw as a garnish or added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for their spicy flavor and crunchy texture.
However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can also lightly cook them as an ingredient in dishes such as stir-fries or omelets.
It's important to note that like all raw vegetables, there is a small risk of foodborne illness associated with eating raw radish microgreens, so it's essential to wash them thoroughly before consuming.
Do you need to soak radish microgreens?
No, you do not need to soak radish microgreens. Unlike some other seeds or grains, radish microgreens do not require soaking before planting.
Simply sprinkle the seeds on top of the growing medium, mist them with water, and cover with a lid or plastic wrap until they germinate. Once they have sprouted and grown to the desired size, you can harvest them and rinse them before eating.
Do radish microgreens regrow after cutting?
No, radish microgreens do not regrow after cutting. Once they are harvested, the microgreens will not produce any more leaves.
However, if you leave some of the leaves on the plant when you harvest, they may continue to grow slowly and produce a few more leaves. But for the most part, radish microgreens are harvested once and then replanted.
Radish Microgreens Nutritional Chart
These microgreens are high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K as well as carotene. They also contain potassium and are high in dietary fiber.
Scientific Name: | Raphanus Sativus |
Minerals per 100g of (FW) | |
Calcium, Ca | 25 mg |
Magnesium, Mg | 10 mg |
Phosphorus, P | 20 mg |
Potassium, K | 233 mg |
Sodium, Na | 39 mg |
Iron, Fe | 0.34 mg |
Zinc, Zn | 0.28 mg |
Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
Vitamins per 100g of (FW) | |
Vitamin B-6 | 0.071 mg |
Vitamin C | 14.8 mg |
Vitamin K | 1.3 µg |
Other Nutrients: | |
Protein | 0.68 g |
Fiber | 1.6 g |