As a food lover, I’ve often wondered how long do microgreens last? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as one might think. While many people swear by the freshness of their favorite foods, it seems that everyone has different ways of enjoying their food. The truth is that microgreens are best enjoyed from the moment they’re picked from the garden; and even when they’re eaten immediately, there’s no guarantee that microgreens will stay fresh forever.
The flavor of freshly grown microgreens is unlike any other type of green vegetable. Its color ranges from a pale, bright green to a deep, rich purple. It also has a faint mustard smell and tastes slightly more like cranberries or raisins than typical greens. Because of this distinctive flavor, microgreens are sometimes used in recipes where flavors don’t really contribute to the overall theme of the meal, such as meat-based pasta sauce.
It takes approximately three weeks for a fresh batch of microgreens to begin to mature. This means purchasing fresh seed packs every three weeks. For those who like variety, there are also different-colored seed packs available. The seeds should be purchased according to the recommended timetable provided by the manufacturer. They should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and away from any other sources of moisture, which can cause the seeds to blossom prematurely.
While there are some varieties of microgreens that have been freeze-dried, most commercial varieties are sold in the fresh fruit or vegetable trays. They should be placed in a cold refrigerator for at least a week before they’re ready to enjoy. Microgreens don’t retain their crisp flavor if they’re kept in a tightly sealed plastic container. They’ll spoil within a few days in these conditions.
How long do microgreens last? This depends largely on how it’s stored once they’re bought. If they’re stored at room temperature and out of the sun, they can last for up to a year. Those that are kept in a Tupperware container in the refrigerator for a month will begin to lose their crispness after the first month. However, those that are put in acid reflux food will last up to two years.
In terms of flavor, flavorings vary. Some come flavored with herbs or spices, while others are coated in sugar. Microgreens come in a variety of colors, and most are organically certified. The packaging is usually clear, so you can readily see the green seeds inside. This means no pesticides or herbicides were used in growing the seeds. Purchasing food that has been produced organically helps ensure the product is safe, as the production process does not use any artificial substances.