FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Microgreens are small versions of their mature plant. They come from the same seed but are harvested right before their first true leaf appears. They are carefully cropped before maturation, about seven to fourteen days after germination. At only about three inches tall, they are highly concentrated with vitamins and minerals, even more so than their full-grown plant. This means that adding only small amounts to your diet can boost the nutritional value of your meals.

We currently offer six different types all year round. We may have some specials with other varieties as specials throughout the year.

BROCCOLI – Deliciously mild fresh flavor. Makes a great addition to any dish because it is not as potent as mature broccoli. Try adding them to eggs, tofu, soup, salads, wraps, sandwiches, or cooked grains.

KALE – Whether you like mature kale or not, we recommend giving these little things a try. Mini Green Kale does not have a bitter taste but a mildly sweet. We have had many customers who did not like kale which now claim Mini Green Kale is their favorite thing.

MUSTARD - Zesty in taste! If you enjoy spice, this is for you. More similar in taste to wasabi than its name. Mini Green Mustard is most commonly added to hamburgers, sausages, eggs, and sashimi.

PEA SHOOTS – Known for being sweet in taste, like snow peas. Mini Green Pea Shoots are favorable for snacking. Additionally, because of their longer and thicker texture, they are also great for cooking on low heat. Add them as part of an appetizer or lightly season with your favorite spices.

RADISH – Tastes just like a radish bulb! You’d think because of the leafy complexion they’d have more of an earthy taste but they do not. Enjoy the bite in each tiny leaf by garnishing pizza, cold dishes, and wraps.

SUNFLOWERS – The first leaves (cotyledons) on Mini Green Sunnies are bigger and more succulent than the others. They have a delicious sweet and nutty taste making them great for eating right out of the container. They are also wonderful for adding texture to salads and sandwiches.

Often, people refer to our Mini Green Things as sprouts, however, even though they look similar, they are not siblings, not even extended family.

Here are some Key Differences:

Sprouts are grown in water. Microgreens are grown in soil.

Sprouts are germinated seeds. Microgreens are developed through a planting-growth process.

Sprouts take only a few days to grow due to the high-intensity growing process. Microgreens take weeks to develop their leaves and stems because they require high-light and greenhouse conditions.

Sprouts do not give the same nutritional value because the leaves are underdeveloped. Microgreens have a high-concentrated nutritional value as the stem is fully developed and leaves appear.

Sprouts have a reputation for food poisoning because of the risk of salmonella. Microgreens are safe because they are harvested above the root.

Finally, Microgreens and sprouts taste very different. Since microgreens are fully developed and sprouts are not, microgreens are rich in flavor and texture delicate. In this, you can enjoy even a pinch of freshness or a pinch of spice with each bite!

Our microgreens are currently at the following Lincoln locations:

Good Life Fitness 301 Van Dorn, 300 Speedway Circle

Good Life Fitness 8601 Amber Hill Court

Hy-Vee 1601 N. 84th Street

Hy-Vee 6001 Village Drive

Hy-Vee 7151 Stacy Lane

Hy-Vee 5010 O Street

Super Saver 5440 S 56th Street

Super Saver 2525 Pine Lake Road

We are unable to call ourselves organic as it is a five-year certification process. However, upon the availability of seeds and soil from our suppliers, we always will choose organic first. Furthermore, we do not use GMO products, and our microgreens are chemical-free and pesticide-free. Although we cannot officially say Mini Green Things are organic, our microgreens are grown as organic as possible.

Microgreens are pretty amazing as they have up to three-week shelf life. Depending on the location sold, they have a ten to fifteen day “sell by” date. This means they have at least seven days of life after being purchased. They are kept the freshest on the bottom shelf or produce drawer of your refrigerator; avoid keeping them out in warm sunny spaces for too long or they may start to wilt. Also, use them as you go, keeping them in their closed containers and only opening when being consumed. They are delicate little greens, be gentle when washing them in cool water or cutting for preparation.

Most of us are living a busy and active lifestyle, not having enough time to tend to the kinds of foods our bodies need most for essential nutrients and vitamins. While supplements are an easy answer to this problem, the ingredients are always questionable. Mini Green Things are a natural and healthy way of solving the issue. These tiny vegetables can be incorporated in so many ways, making it easy to get your 7 to 10 servings each day. You do not need much to reap the benefits, 25 grams and you can have up to as much as 40 times the nutrients of 2.5 cups of full-grown veggies.

The results are published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Microgreens have the reputation of being a “super-food” because they are so nutrient-dense, particularly phytonutrients. Studies have shown that they contain up to forty times of nutrients and antioxidants than their full-grown counterparts. They are rich in fiber, vitamins - A, B, C, D, E, & K - potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and more! Health studies show microgreens reduce the risks of systematic diseases and conditions. The polyphenols found in microgreens are a class of antioxidants that are especially linked to lowering risks to metabolic diseases and cancers.

Lester, Gene & Xiao, Zhenlei & Luo, Yaguang & Wang, Qin. (2013). Microgreens: Assessment of Nutrient Concentrations.

Our Mini Green Things are grown locally in Panama, Nebraska. Panama is a village of 250+ people in Lancaster County. All varieties are carefully raised indoors in a green room.

While all six varieties will positively impact your skin, broccoli, kale, radish, and sunflower contain the highest amount of nutrients most important for skin health. These Mini’s are condensed with vitamins A, Bs, D, E, zinc, anti-inflammatory agents, and other antioxidants such as sulforaphane and polyphenols. Each nutrient has its own secret power from protecting the skin from damage, producing collagen, and regenerating tissue for a more clear, youthful appearance. And hey, the hair is also part of the integumentary system so it is also important to note that these same nutrients will keep hair strong and shiny.