Microgreens are the newest salad, sandwich, and soup ingredient. They’re also a great addition to a nutritious smoothie. If you’ve ever grown your own microgreens at home, you’re aware of how quickly they can spoil if not properly stored. This article explains how to store microgreens.
We can’t always finish a whole tray of microgreens right away and have to keep them in the fridge. When freshly harvested, these short-lived and perishable microgreens crops are high in nutrition. If microgreens are not properly stored, they will spoil in a matter of hours.
That is why some people recommend eating them raw. But, are raw microgreens safe to eat?
Still, the best method is to cut only what you need and leave the rest intact. To help you store microgreens correctly and extend their shelf life, whether for personal use or for your microgreens business, I’ve included a few tips below.
How to Store Microgreens for Longer Shelf Life
Use Ceramic Knife / Scissors to Harvest Microgreens
The first tip is to harvest the microgreens with a ceramic knife or ceramic scissors like this one.
A ceramic knife, unlike metals, is lighter, non-toxic, and chemically inert to microgreens. That is, it does not transfer ions to the cut end of the microgreens, resulting in a faster oxidation process (turning brown). Make sure your scissors are sharp so you don’t crush the plant as you cut. This will keep the plant alive by preventing bruising as you cut.
Other useful tools for large-scale growers are detailed here to help you harvest the microgreens 3x faster.
Sterilize the Microgreens to Slow down Biological Processes
Next, fill a sink halfway with ice-cold water and add 1 teaspoon (200 ppm) of regular bleach. Then, briefly soak the microgreens in it. To achieve the same result, you can also use food-grade 3% hydrogen peroxide.
This step slows down the biological processes in the microgreens and also sterilizes the microgreens to prevent mold growth for a longer microgreens storage time.
Air Circulation and Moisture to keep Microgreens Fresh
When storing microgreens in the refrigerator, avoid using a sealed bag. Microgreens degrade and spoil faster in this environment. Air circulation and moisture are also important factors in keeping them as fresh as possible. As a result, you should use an open container instead.
In the meantime, place a wet paper towel on the container and another on top of the microgreens.
According to one study, light exposure while storing microgreens in the refrigerator can accelerate deterioration.
Best Temperature to Store Microgreens
Microgreens can usually be stored in the fridge for a week or so. That being said, your refrigerator should be kept at 4°C (or 40°F). They should not be frozen.
According to one study, microgreens stored at 40°F have a shelf life of 14 – 21 days, while those stored at 50°F have a shelf life of 7 – 14 days. Radish microgreens have a longer shelf life than the others.
The constant opening and closing of the fridge can also cause temperature fluctuations. So, if you notice any white spots, a foul odor, or a slimy touch, simply throw them away.
Consuming spoiled microgreens can result in serious health problems. Otherwise, check out these 11 delicious recipes to eat microgreens.
Storing Microgreens FAQs
What are the Best Ways to Store Microgreens?
Two best ways to store your microgreens to extend their life are as following:
- Cooling / Freezing them in a plastic bag or container
- Dehydrating Microgreens
Can you Freeze Microgreens?
No, never freeze microgreens as the cold temperatures will degrade and damage the microgreens’ cellular structures. When frozen microgreens are thawed, they become slimy and lose their nutritional value.
Please let me know if you have any additional suggestions for me in the comments section.
