Here at the Coquitlam Farmers Market we are all about local, seasonal and sustainably grown produce. What better way to celebrate the summer months than a fresh take on some familiar foods! This week’s topic: microgreens.
Did You Know?
Although, young and the first growth from a seed, did you know microgreens are packed full of vitamin E, K and C? What has been doubled by some as the new kale of healthy eating, microgreens are the perfect garnish to almost any dish!
Microgreens are in season in South West British Columbia! These young vegetables and herbs that are harvested while tiny, tender, and tasty. Make sure you stop by the market this Sunday to try some of the province’s best!
Recipe of the Week
Mushroom-and-Microgreen Omelet
Courtesy of MARTHA STEWART LIVING
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 ounces white mushrooms, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup microgreens
3 large eggs
Directions:
Step 1- Heat half the butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook mushrooms, undisturbed, until they begin to release their liquid, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, and stir. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Transfer mushrooms to a small bowl; stir in microgreens.
Step 2- Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until well combined; season with salt and pepper. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels. Melt remaining butter over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom of pan. Pour eggs into skillet, and cook, undisturbed, until edges are set slightly.
Step 3- With a heatproof flexible spatula, push eggs from edge toward center, tilting pan to let uncooked eggs run underneath, until omelet is just set, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4- Place mushroom filling on 1 side of omelet. Using spatula, gently fold other side of omelet over filling. Serve immediately.
Ingredients at the Market
Microgreens: Nutrigreens, Wah Fung Farm
Butter & Cheese: Golden Ears Cheescrafters
Eggs: Rockweld Farm
Other Greens and Vegetables: Amazia Farm, Beckmann Farm, Floralia Growers, Forstbauer Farms, Langley Organic Growers, Never Say Die Farm, Ripple Creek Organic Farm, Shen’s Farm, Wah Fung Farm
Steps on How To Grow
Microgreen Planting 101:
Step 1- Choose a shallow container with sufficient drainage holes.
Step 2- Fill the container with one and a half inches of organic soil or compost. To ensure the soil is flat so that the greens will sprout evenly, use a piece of cardboard and gently press down.
Step 3- Find the seed mix that fits your growing need. Certain varieties will sprout at the same time, while single-crop microgreens are another option. Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and us the piece of cardboard used in the previous step to lightly press them into the soil.
Step 4- Use a wire-mesh sieve to sift a very fine layer of dry potting mix over the seeds. Place your pot in a warm and dark space until germination. Then place them in a sunny spot.
Step 5- Carefully water the seeds in with a gentle shower from a watering can. Place the tray on a sunny, south-facing windowsill or under grow lights. Expect the seeds to germinate in three to seven days.
Step 5- Ensure the soil is consistently moist. If you feel you have overwatered your plant, tip out excess moisture.
Step 6- Once your microgreens are ready for harvest, snip the plant right above the soil line when their first true leaves unfurl which is about seven to fourteen days after germination, depending on the green.
Microgreens in B.C.
There are a growing number of farmers who produce microgreens in B.C. This easy-to-grow product ensures a longer growing season. This in combination with the provinces warm climate and ocean breeze makes this a great place to farm this product!
Microgreens are slowly becoming easier to find as they become more popular, but they are still rare in grocery stores and must often be bought directly from their growers.