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Microgreens Are Not Just One Thing: Discover the Variety on Your Plate

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When many people hear the word microgreens, they imagine a single type of tiny leafy green. In reality, microgreens are a category of young vegetable and herb plants, not a single plant. At The Local Farmer (TLF), this diversity is at the heart of what makes microgreens so exciting. TLF grows 85 different varieties, meaning there is no single microgreen appearance, texture, or flavour.

Currently, eight varieties are featured on the TLF website:

  • Tatsoi
  • Chinese Cabbage
  • Rocket
  • Radish
  • Mustard
  • Purple Kohlrabi
  • Red Swiss Chard
  • Cress

Each variety offers its own unique characteristics, making microgreens far more versatile than many people realise.

Every Variety Looks Different

One of the first things you’ll notice is how visually diverse microgreens can be. Depending on the variety, leaves may be:

  • Rounded
  • Heart-shaped
  • Narrow
  • Fine and delicate

Stem colours also vary, ranging from classic green to striking shades of pink, red, and purple. These natural colour variations can transform an ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary experience.

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A World of Flavour in Every Tray

Just as their appearance differs, so do their flavours. Some microgreens are gentle enough to complement delicate dishes, while others make a bold statement.

You might discover flavours that are:

  • Mild
  • Sweet
  • Earthy
  • Peppery
  • Spicy

This wide flavour spectrum makes it easy to pair the right microgreen with salads, sandwiches, soups, gourmet dishes, smoothies, or even breakfast meals.

Texture Matters Too

Microgreens don’t all feel the same when you eat them. Their textures can range from:

  • Tender
  • Crisp
  • Delicate

These subtle differences add another layer of enjoyment, giving chefs and home cooks more creative freedom when preparing meals.

Four Delicious Examples from The Local Farmer

Here are four varieties that showcase just how unique microgreens can be:

Chinese Cabbage

With its bright green, heart-shaped leaves, Chinese Cabbage offers a mildly sweet flavour similar to bok choy. It’s an excellent choice for fresh salads, wraps, and Asian-inspired dishes.

Red Radish

If you’re looking for something with a little more character, Red Radish delivers tender, crisp leaves with a grassy, peppery heat that adds excitement to sandwiches, tacos, and grain bowls.

Garden Cress

Garden Cress is known for its peppery, slightly spicy flavour, making it a favourite for adding a lively kick to eggs, soups, and savoury dishes.

Red Swiss Chard

Red Swiss Chard brings vibrant colour alongside a mild, delicate flavour reminiscent of spinach. Its gentle taste makes it a versatile addition to almost any meal.

More Than a Garnish

Microgreens are often mistaken for decorative toppings, but their incredible diversity proves they’re much more than that. Different colours, shapes, textures, and flavour profiles allow you to personalise every dish while enjoying fresh, locally grown produce.

Choosing microgreens is like choosing the personality of the meal.