Microgreens have taken the culinary world by storm. But what if you could enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own microgreens while still having the convenience of fresh delivery?
Vegbed offers the perfect solution: live microgreens delivered directly to your door, pre-grown on our sustainable bamboo grow mats! Here's a comprehensive guide to storing your microgreens, whether you've harvested them yourself or received them fresh from Vegbed grow mats.
The Importance of Proper Storage:
Microgreens are delicate and prone to spoilage if not stored correctly. Proper storage techniques ensure they retain their peak freshness, vibrant color, and crisp texture until consumption.
Key Factors for Optimal Storage:
- Moisture Control: The biggest enemy of microgreens is excess moisture. Dampness can lead to wilting, mold growth, and a shortened shelf life.
- Temperature: Microgreens thrive in cool temperatures. Heat accelerates spoilage.
- Airflow: Microgreens need air circulation to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Storage Techniques:
For Microgreens You've Harvested Yourself:
- Harvest Carefully: Use clean, sharp scissors to harvest your microgreens just above the soil line. Avoid handling them excessively to prevent bruising.
- Gentle Drying: If your microgreens appear wet after harvest, pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture.
- Choose Your Container: Opt for a breathable container that allows for air circulation. Avoid airtight containers as they can trap moisture
Good Options: Shallow, open containers, paper towel-lined baskets or colanders.
- Storage Location: Store your microgreens in the refrigerator. The crisper drawer is an ideal location as it maintains cool temperatures with moderate humidity.
For Live Microgreens Delivered with Vegbed Bamboo Mats: Why Chefs and Restaurants Love Them
Chefs and restaurants increasingly prefer live microgreens delivered on Vegbed bamboo mats for several reasons:
- Superior Cleanliness: Vegbed bamboo grow mats are a naturally antimicrobial material, reducing the risk of contamination compared to soil-based methods. This ensures the microgreens arrive hygienically clean and ready to use, saving chefs valuable preparation time.
- Minimal Maintenance: Live microgreens on Vegbed bamboo mats require minimal maintenance. A simple watering regimen keeps them thriving, freeing up chefs to focus on culinary creativity.
- Consistent Quality and Flavor: Vegbed's controlled growing conditions ensure consistent quality and peak flavor in every microgreen harvest. Chefs can depend on receiving fresh, vibrant microgreens every time they order.
- Reduced Waste: Unlike pre-cut microgreens, live microgreens on Vegbed mats allow for on-demand harvesting, minimizing waste and maximizing freshness. Chefs can harvest only what they need for each dish, reducing spoilage.
How to Care for Your Live Microgreens on Vegbed grow mats:
Unpacking Your Greens: Upon receiving your live microgreen delivery, carefully unpack the box and remove the plastic wrap covering the microgreens.
Light and Water: Place the entire bamboo grow mat with microgreens on a well-lit windowsill or under a grow light. Water the microgreens gently when the top layer of the bamboo mat feels dry to the touch.
Enjoy Freshness: With proper care, your live microgreens on the Vegbed bamboo mat can last for several days, providing you with a continuous harvest of fresh, flavorful microgreens.
Pro Tips for Extended Freshness:
- Separate Varieties: If storing different microgreen varieties, store them in separate containers to prevent them from transferring flavors or moisture levels.
- Trim Before Use: As you're ready to use your microgreens, give them a quick trim to remove any yellowed leaves or wilted sections.
- Limited Washing: Microgreens are typically clean due to their indoor growing environment. If necessary, rinse them quickly in cool water just before consumption, pat them dry thoroughly, and use them immediately.
Bonus Tip: Consider Freezing!
While not ideal for all applications, microgreens can be frozen for longer storage. However, freezing will slightly alter their texture. Here's how:
- Flash Freeze: Spread washed and dried microgreens on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for a few hours. This prevents them from clumping together.
- Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once frozen, transfer the microgreens to airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Use Within 3 Months: Frozen microgreens will retain their flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using them.