Dragon Greens offers quick home delivery (within 24 hours of harvesting) of locally-grown microgreens to health-conscious Seffner-area residents. His business is “growing.”
Microgreens, under three inches tall (smaller than baby greens but larger than sprouts), are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs that are usually harvested between one and three weeks after planting, just after the cotyledon leaves have developed. While they have become increasingly popular in the culinary world as a garnish adorning plates at fancy upscale restaurants, they pack a nutritious punch.
According to a study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” microgreens generally have higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts. The study found they can contain up to 40 times more nutrients by weight compared to the fully-grown plant. The study also found them to be a rich source of antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, which may contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals.
For Shaw, microgreens, with their fast growth and the small space needed for cultivating, were the perfect choice to reach his dream of owning a farm with organic and environmentally friendly practices. “People want to know where their food comes from and to know there’s not a lot of things pumped into it,” he said. “The microgreens are nutrient-packed and a healthier option than what you can find in stores.”
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