What Are Microgreens?
You’ve probably heard the buzz about microgreens, but what exactly are they? Think of microgreens as the tiny but mighty version of your favorite vegetables—packed with vibrant flavor and bursting with nutrients, all before they’ve had a chance to grow into full-sized plants.
Harvested when they’re just a few inches tall, microgreens are at their nutritional peak, offering up to 40x more vitamins and minerals than their mature counterparts. Yep, you read that right—40x more! It’s like having a whole salad’s worth of goodness concentrated into a handful of delicate, flavorful greens.
🌿 Why Microgreens? Because Freshness Matters.
We all know veggies are essential for a healthy diet. They support your immune system, help prevent disease, and give your body the fuel it needs to thrive. But here’s the catch:
- Nutrient Loss Happens Fast. From the moment vegetables are harvested, they start losing nutrients. Add in long transport times, storage, and cooking methods that can zap up to 50% of their vitamins, and suddenly that “fresh” produce isn’t so fresh anymore.
- Industrial Farming? No Thanks. Conventional produce often relies on early harvesting, growth hormones, and chemicals to make things look fresh—even when the nutritional value isn’t there.
That’s where microgreens come in. Because they’re harvested young and often grown locally, microgreens deliver maximum nutrition with minimal processing. They skip the long supply chains, arriving fresh from the farm—sometimes harvested within 24 hours of reaching your plate.
🌱 We Grow Differently—and Intentionally
At Shindig, we don’t just grow microgreens—we cultivate them with care, purpose, and intention to ensure you’re getting the freshest, safest, and most nutrient-dense greens possible. Here’s what sets us apart:
💧 Water-Grown, Not Soil-Based
Our microgreens are grown hydroponically, meaning they thrive in pure water instead of soil. This method reduces the risk of harmful bacteria, ensures cleaner, safer greens, and allows us to control every aspect of the growing environment for optimal plant health.
🌱 Sold Alive for Maximum Freshness
Unlike most microgreen companies, we don’t pre-cut our greens. Instead, we sell them still alive and growing, so you can harvest them fresh when you’re ready to eat. This means you get:
- Peak nutrient levels—because the greens are still living until the moment you snip them
- Unmatched flavor—vibrant, crisp, and bursting with freshness
- Longer shelf life—no more wilted greens after a few days in the fridge
🏡 Locally Grown in Oakland, CA
Everything we grow comes straight from our urban farm right here in Oakland. By keeping things local, we:
- Support sustainable farming practices
- Reduce food miles, making your greens more eco-friendly
- Strengthen community resilience and local food systems
Through my research, I’ve found that no other microgreens business in the Bay Area offers living microgreens quite like this. It’s not just about what’s on your plate—it’s about giving you food that’s as fresh, nourishing, and alive as possible.
🥗 Small Size, Big Benefits
So, what makes microgreens a game-changer for your wellness routine?
✨ Nutrient Powerhouses: Each bite is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients—all the good stuff your body craves.
✨ Easy to Eat: Unlike bulky vegetables that require chopping, cooking, or disguising, microgreens are tender, mild, and ready to eat. Just rinse, sprinkle, and enjoy.
✨ Versatile Flavors: From peppery radish to sweet pea shoots, microgreens fit seamlessly into any dish—salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, you name it.
✨ Eat the Whole Thing: No peeling, chopping, or waste. Stems, leaves, and all—it’s all edible and delicious.
🌍 Good for You, Good for the Planet
When you choose Shindig microgreens, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re supporting a sustainable, local food system that’s better for the environment and your community.
So whether you’re looking to boost your health, add a pop of color to your plate, or simply enjoy the freshest greens around, microgreens are the way to go.
Grow. Cook. Share. That’s the Shindig way. 💚
What’s in Your Kit
- Reusable grow trays (2 with holes and 2 without holes)
- Compostable coconut coir pads (4)
- Microgreen seeds (variety may vary)
- Spray bottle
You’ll need: clean water, scissors, and a sunny window or grow light.
Step-by-Step Instructions
PREPARE
Soak coconut coir paid in hot water to soften, ideally overnight. Once the pad is softer and pliable, lay 1 coconut coir pad into a tray with holes.
SEED
Sprinkle approx. 2 tsp of seeds evenly across the pad. Don’t overcrowd—aim for a single layer of seeds.
Germination
Mist & Cover
Fill the spray bottle with water and mist the seeds until damp, then cover with a lid or another tray to block light. Keep the trays on a counter or table that is not close to a heat source. Room temperature is
Germination
Place the tray on a plate or tray that will catch the water as it collects over the next few days. Mist seeds twice daily (morning and evening) to ensure they don't dry out. Keep seeds damp, but not overly soggy.
Grow
Uncover & Add Light
Once seeds are sprouted and the first leaves are about 1/2" tall remove the covers and place the trays in indirect sunlight or under grow lights. If using grow lights, set for 6 hours dark and 18 hours light.
Water Regularly from the Bottom
Over the next 5–10 days, your microgreens will grow quickly. Continue to water the trays - instated of misting the leaves, water from the bottom keeping just enough water to cover the bottom of the plate or tray.
Harvest
When microgreens are 2–3 inches tall, harvest by snipping with clean scissors just above the roots.
Tips & FAQs
Tips for Success
- Harvest right before eating for best flavor.
- Living trays last longer than cut greens—keep them on the counter and water just enough so they don't dry out.
- For mold prevention: don’t overwater and keep trays in a spot with airflow.
FAQs
- Can I reuse the coir pad? No, compost it after use. Replace with a fresh pad for the next crop. Or use loose coir or organic potting soil.
- Do microgreens regrow after cutting? No.
- How long will my harvested greens last? It is best to eat microgreens within 5–7 days.