Looking to add a burst of fresh flavor and nutrition to your meals without needing a sprawling outdoor garden? Microgreens are the perfect solution! These tiny, nutrient-packed seedlings are easy to grow indoors, require minimal space, and are ready to harvest in as little as 7-14 days. Plus, they deliver intense flavors and vibrant color to everything from salads and sandwiches to smoothies and soups. Here’s a list of 10 tasty edible microgreens you can grow year-round right in your kitchen or sunny windowsill.
1. Radish Microgreens
Radish microgreens are some of the fastest-growing and most flavorful options you can plant. In just 5-7 days, you’ll have tiny, tender greens with a bold, peppery bite similar to mature radishes. They’re perfect for adding zest to salads, tacos, and sandwiches. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, these microgreens also offer antioxidants and a spicy crunch that livens up any dish. All you need is a shallow tray, organic seeds, and a sunny windowsill to get started.
2. Sunflower Microgreens
Crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet, sunflower microgreens are a crowd favorite for good reason. They take about 7-12 days to grow and boast thick, juicy stems with tender green leaves. Sunflower microgreens are not only tasty but also packed with protein, zinc, and vitamin E. They make a fantastic addition to wraps, smoothies, or avocado toast. Plus, their crisp texture provides a satisfying contrast in fresh dishes. Give them plenty of light and keep the soil consistently moist for the best harvest.
3. Pea Shoots
If you love the fresh, green taste of peas, you’ll adore pea shoots. These delicate, curling tendrils and leaves offer a subtly sweet, earthy flavor and grow beautifully indoors in just 10-14 days. They’re rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber, making them both a delicious and health-boosting addition to stir-fries, salads, and sandwiches. Pea shoots prefer cooler indoor temperatures and bright, indirect light, thriving in shallow trays filled with organic potting mix or coconut coir.
4. Broccoli Microgreens
Known for their mild, slightly peppery flavor, broccoli microgreens are easy to grow and incredibly nutritious. These tiny greens are brimming with sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant linked to cancer prevention and heart health. They’re ready to harvest in about 7-10 days and are perfect for sprinkling over scrambled eggs, grain bowls, or veggie wraps. Broccoli microgreens grow best in a bright, warm spot with good air circulation, making them an excellent choice for beginner indoor gardeners.
5. Basil Microgreens
Bring the unmistakable aroma and taste of basil to your kitchen year-round with basil microgreens. These miniature versions of the beloved herb offer the same sweet, slightly peppery flavor with an extra tender texture. They’re ideal for topping pizzas, pasta dishes, and caprese salads. Basil microgreens typically take 10-14 days to grow and thrive in warm, sunny indoor spots. Choose from classic Genovese basil or more exotic varieties like lemon or cinnamon basil for a unique flavor twist.
6. Mustard Microgreens
Mustard microgreens pack a punch of spicy, zesty flavor that can instantly brighten up any dish. Ready to harvest in just 5-8 days, these feisty greens are excellent on sandwiches, burgers, and noodle bowls. Their peppery bite is reminiscent of horseradish, making them a fun, fiery addition to your microgreen garden. Mustard microgreens grow well indoors with bright light and consistent moisture, and you can experiment with red or green varieties to add visual interest to your plates.
7. Cilantro Microgreens
Love cilantro but find it tricky to grow full-size plants indoors? Cilantro microgreens are a fantastic alternative. They capture the herb’s distinctive citrusy, slightly peppery flavor and are much faster to harvest typically within 12-14 days. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, cilantro microgreens are perfect for topping tacos, curries, and fresh salsas. They prefer cooler temperatures and indirect sunlight, so a bright kitchen counter or shaded windowsill is an ideal spot for growing these fragrant greens.
8. Arugula Microgreens
Arugula microgreens offer a bold, peppery flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making them a versatile addition to salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Ready to harvest in about 5-10 days, these spicy greens are rich in vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants. Arugula microgreens grow easily in shallow trays with good drainage and require bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Their tender leaves and quick turnaround time make them a favorite for home chefs and beginner indoor gardeners alike.
9. Beet Microgreens
With their stunning red stems and mild, earthy flavor, beet microgreens are as beautiful as they are tasty. They’re rich in iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C, making them a nutritional powerhouse. Beet microgreens typically take 10-14 days to mature and thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Their slightly sweet, tender leaves are perfect for adding color and texture to grain bowls, smoothies, and open-faced sandwiches. They also pair wonderfully with citrus fruits and goat cheese.
10. Amaranth Microgreens
Amaranth microgreens are prized for their vibrant magenta stems and delicate leaves with a mild, slightly earthy flavor. They’re packed with protein, calcium, and vitamin C and make a striking garnish for soups, salads, and smoothie bowls. Ready to harvest in just 7-12 days, amaranth microgreens prefer warm indoor conditions and bright, indirect light. Their unique color and tender texture make them an excellent choice for elevating both the flavor and presentation of your favorite dishes.