Tips To Harvest Fresh Microgreens At Home

Are you looking for tips to harvest fresh microgreens at home?

If your greens are 1-3 inches high, it’s time to harvest fresh microgreens! Harvesting microgreens is a straightforward and rewarding process. It means you’re that you’re only a snip snip away from adding in fresh delicious greens to any dish. Or, you might just enjoy nibbling on them as you’re cutting.

If you’re worried about how to cut your greens without damaging and making the most from your plants, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, I’ll share:

a step-by-step guide on how to harvest fresh microgreens.
A short list of what you need to successfully and carefully harvest your nutritious greens.
Important tasks and tips to remember when you get to harvest time.

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Tools Needed to Harvest Fresh Microgreens:

Clean and sharp microgreen scissors or shears: Use sanitized cutting tools to ensure a clean cut and minimize the risk of contamination.

Harvesting Steps:

Timing:
- Harvest microgreens when they have reached a height of 1 to 3 inches. The timing varies depending on the specific variety but is generally around 7 to 14 days after germination.
Choose the Right Time of Day:
- Harvest microgreens in the morning or when the growing medium is not too moist. This helps prevent excess moisture on the leaves, which can lead to deterioration during storage.
Preparation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and ensure your cutting tools are clean and sanitized.
Cutting Technique:
- Use scissors or shears to cut the microgreens just above the soil or growing medium. Hold a small bunch of microgreens between your fingers and make a clean, straight cut. Avoid tearing or pulling, as this can damage the remaining plants.
Harvest in Batches:
- Harvest microgreens in batches as needed. This allows you to enjoy the freshest produce and encourages continuous growth for later harvests.
Harvest Entire Tray (Optional):
- Alternatively, you can cut the entire tray at once if you prefer to store larger quantities or if the majority of the microgreens have reached the desired height.
Rinse (Optional):
- Some growers prefer to give microgreens a gentle rinse after harvesting to remove any residual soil particles. This step is optional and depends on personal preference.
Drying (Optional):
- If you rinsed the microgreens, allow them to air-dry or gently pat them dry with a clean paper towel before storage.

Storage:

Refrigerate Immediately:
- Store harvested microgreens in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Place them in a breathable container or plastic bag with small holes to allow for air circulation.
Maintain Humidity (Optional):
- For longer storage, consider placing a damp paper towel in the storage container to help maintain humidity. This can be especially useful for delicate microgreen varieties.
Use Quickly:
- Microgreens are best enjoyed fresh, so aim to use them within a few days of harvesting for optimal flavor and nutritional content.

Tips to Harvest Fresh Microgreens:

Harvest Based on Height:
- The recommended height for harvesting varies by microgreen variety. Research the specific variety you are growing to determine the ideal height for harvesting.
Continuous Harvesting:
- To maintain a constant supply of fresh microgreens, consider a staggered planting schedule. Harvest a portion of the tray, and as new microgreens grow, you’ll have a continuous harvest.
Experiment with Harvesting Techniques:
- Depending on your preferences and the specific microgreen variety, you may experiment with different harvesting techniques to find what works best for you.