
If you are passionate about healthy cooking and interested in mindful eating, or if you are simply curious to try natural, fresh, and versatile ingredients, you have probably heard of sprouts, microgreens, and baby leaves. But what are the differences between them?
In this concise guide, we will try to highlight the distinctive aspects of each growth phase, explaining why they can enrich the diet of each of us.
Sprouts, Microgreens, Baby Leaves and Herbs
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Sprouts
Each seed contains an embryo that is in a "dormant" state and enters the development phase under suitable environmental conditions (water, temperature, and oxygen). Sprouts are miniature versions of herbs, vegetables, grains, and legumes, containing a much higher nutritional concentration than adult plants. Therefore, although they appear extremely fragile and slender, sprouts are actually one of the most nutrient-dense foods in nature. Sprouts are easily obtained in 2 to 12 days, depending on the type of seed.
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Microgreens
Microgreens are young vegetable plants whose embryonic leaves are edible. Microgreens are prized for their intense flavor and high nutrient concentration. They are very easy to grow, and their growth cycle varies from 1 to 2 weeks. They can be grown with water alone or with various types of substrates. Microgreens should not be confused with sprouts, from which they differ in cultivation method and growth stage.
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Baby Leaves
The term baby leaves refers to a wide range of leafy vegetables, including brassicas, which are harvested when they have a limited number of leaves, therefore, at a stage in which the plant is still growing and has not yet reached full maturity.
Baby leaves are small in size, have tender leaves, a delicate flavour and an intense colour and are generally harvested within 2/3 weeks of sowing. -
Herbs
Aromatic plants or herbs have small cells in their leaves that release aromas of varying intensity, thus imparting freshness and flavor to foods; they can be annual, biennial, or perennial. They are often used to garnish dishes, sometimes even as essential ingredients to add character to specific recipes.
Healthy, natural nutrients: easy to produce and always ready to go
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Grow without any substrate
With EVA H you can grow using only water and without the need for mats or anything else to support the seeds. Thanks to the special diamond-section grid, you can grow efficiently while saving almost all of the seeds. The seed is always well oxygenated and drained.
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Create exclusive blends of flavors
With EVA you can simultaneously grow different varieties of seeds that have the same cycles. You can create unique blends of flavors to suit your taste. The grid is divided into 3, 6, or 12 sections to better define the planting spaces. Let your creativity flow.
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Create a mini greenhouse
With the addition of an EVA tray, you can create a mini greenhouse. Ideal for certain types of delicate seeds or to reduce production cycles. It allows you to maintain a constant temperature and humidity. Additionally, it makes it possible to stack multiple EVAs and grow in a small space.
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Great autonomy with the water reserve
EVA S has a large water reservoir equal to about 1/3 of the total volume and a simple but effective self-watering system, equipped with a cotton wick. Additionally, the "breathing" basket, completely perforated with triangular section grids, allows optimal oxygenation and perfect drainage of the roots.