Is There a Difference Between Sprouts and Microgreens?

Yes, there is a difference between sprouts and microgreens!! The great thing about these greens is they both provide needed nutrients for our bodies, but the difference comes in how much they provide.

The Main Difference

Sprouts are better sources of amino acids, pectins and sugars than microgreens. But microgreens have numerous vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They also have a higher antioxidant content than mature greens. Plus, you’ll get more fiber content in microgreens than in sprouts.

In our opinion, this makes microgreens the better choice overall.

Microgreens and Sprouts are Also Grown Differently

Sprouts are grown in water and don’t need light to grow. They are eaten entirely including the seed. They are ready to eat in 5-7 days. Microgreens are grown in soil or by using hydroponics. They require light to grow and you only eat the stem and leaf. Most microgreens are ready to eat in 8-12 days, and some longer that depending on the variety.

Bottom Line:

We like to tell our customers that even though sprouts and microgreens come from the same seed, sprouts are newly germinated seeds, while microgreens are the 1-2 week old seedlings that pack more of the nutrient punch that our bodies need.