Trends in cooking techniques and the ingredients used are constantly changing. In recent years, you may have seen chefs using micro herbs in television cooking shows. Likewise, you may have seen micro herbs used for garnishing plates in fine dining restaurants.
However, these are not just an ingredient for the use of celebrity chefs as there are plenty of reasons why you should consider using micro herbs at home. Here are just a few of the benefits of using micro herbs in your cooking.
What Are Micro Herbs?
Many people are unaware of what micro herbs are let alone why they should use them in their cooking. Also known as microgreens or micro greens, these are simply the early versions of herbs and vegetables. They are the shoots of the plants before they are fully formed or have flowered.
You Can Grow Your Own
Even those who are not green-fingered and do not have a large garden can grow microgreens. You can grow them at home in small pots on your windowsill and snip off the leaves to use in your cooking as and when you need them.
Micro Greens are Packed with Nutrients
Research has shown that younger plants are packed with more nutrients and antioxidants. Microgreens are especially rich in beta-carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C. If you are looking for a health boost, it is well worth considering adding these into your meals.
They Have an Intense Flavour
The flavours in younger shoots are more intense than the flavours of older leaves. Therefore, despite their size, they have a more intense flavour than larger leaves and shoots. For example, the microgreens of arugula or radish have an intense peppery flavour, while young pea shoots have a strong flavour of fresh peas.
Using Micro Herbs for Visual Appeal
Many people believe that you eat with your eyes before your mouth and that the presentation of a dish has a big impact on a person’s experience of eating the food. Microgreens look pretty on a plate and add to the overall visual appeal. You can use them as a garnish on almost any dish.
Using Micro Herbs- Some Suggestions
- Use as a garnish on a bowl of soup.
- Toss a handful of into a salad.
- Sprinkle over pasta dishes.
- Use as an ingredient to add flavour to any meal.
- Eat a few shoots or leaves on their own for their nutritional properties.
Written in response to the Daily Prompt ‘Micro’ on The Daily Post.