Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens

microgreens, Growing & Harvest / By
red garnet amaranth microgreens

If you’re not new to gardening and growing microgreens, you must have heard of Amaranth. This versatile plant can be used as an ornamental flower, leaf vegetable, and even grain. However, through the latest gardening techniques, we have also been blessed with amaranth microgreens.

Amaranth is very popular in its seed form, but have you ever considered growing amaranth microgreens? If your answer to this question is in the affirmative, you’ve landed on the right article.

What Are Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens?

Microgreens seeds for red garnet amaranth are the most vigorous and delicious microgreens you can grow by yourself. Other than their color, they are also full of nutritional content and spectacular flavors. But what are they? Let’s find out.

1. Background

Red garnet amaranthus microgreens, also known as amaranthus tricolor, are edible variants of the amaranthus plant. They’re very popular in Asian countries such as China, Korea, Japan for their exceptional beauty, flavors, and nutrition.

Amaranth microgreens are yet to be counted among the popular microgreens seeds. However, they have rich historical backing, with Aztecs known to consume 80% of their diet.

The green variant of amaranth has been used for thousands of years by chefs in South and Central America. However, the latest red versions add an extra layer of aesthetic presentation. Therefore, they are generally used to elevate dishes from good to exceptional.

2. Appearance – Size And Color

As the name red garnet amaranth suggests, these microgreens generally grow in shades of red and magenta. That being said, it is not uncommon to grow some leaves tinged with light green color and even shades of gold. No matter that color, all amaranth micros are exceptionally nutritious and delicious.

Being exceptionally delicate and small, these microgreen plants need special care while cultivating. They can be grown either in potting soil or hydroponically.

3. Flavor

Sharing all flavors with mustard other than the spice, red garnet microgreens are known for their robust flavors.

Only a bit of their leaves can add superior depth to any dish. Paired with striking colors and appropriate size, these greens are perfect for garnishing healthy salads.

Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreen Nutritional Content

There’s a reason why amaranth has been n use to make healthy dishes for such a long time. Amaranth as a leafy vegetable and gains has an impressive nutrient profile. Much like any other microgreens, amaranth’s nutritional value only increases in its microgreen form.

The nutritional content of amaranth microgreens are as follows:

  • Vitamin A, K, E, and C
  • Zinc
  • Beta-carotene
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorous
  • Lysine
  • Phytosterols

Benefits Of Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreen

Amaranth microgreens are the perfect companions for people who like holistic well-being and fitness. These greens also have several culinary benefits.

1. Health Benefits

You should definitely invest in microgreens seeds for red garnet amaranth if you are looking for the following health benefits.

  • Bone Health: The calcium and protein content in red amaranth microgreens is plentiful to promote strong bones and teeth. Consuming amaranth microgreens can help you reduce the risk of getting osteoporosis and arthritis.
  • Healthy Gut: Being gluten-free, these microgreens are perfect for maintaining a good gut, especially for people with sensitive digestive systems.
  • Better Immunity: Combining the vitamin and protein content in amaranth microgreens is perfect for boosting your immune system. The microgreens give your body the power to fight off cardiovascular problems and hypertension.
  • Weight Control: These greens are full of fiber, allowing you to feel full for longer and reducing your appetite. Therefore, if you’re looking for weight control ingredients in your salads, amaranth microgreens are perfect for you.
  • Decreased Hair Loss: Red garnet microgreen content is such that it will reduce hair loss and delay graying. To maintain your natural hair color and health, you should add some amaranth microgreens seeds to your dishes.

2. Culinary Benefits

The red garnet species of Amaranth microgreen plants also have various culinary benefits.

  • Supplies Nutrients: As explained above, these microgreens are everything you might need for balanced nutrition in any dish. Whether you add microgreens seeds, whole amaranth seeds, or
  • Added Flavors: Red garnet microgreen has an exceptional and particular taste that can add taste to the menu.
  • Aesthetics: Many chefs use the pink or red amaranth harvest to garnish their already spectacular dishes. Amaranth microgreens only increase the shelf life and beauty of a dish.
  • Tradition: Many central American and East Asian dishes only meet their traditional flavor with the pink microgreens in them. If you want your dish to look traditional and legitimate, these microgreens are the way to get that element.

Amaranth Microgreens Uses

Red garnet amaranthus microgreens are mostly used for culinary purposes due to their edibility. However, since the greens cannot withstand heat, they are generally only used for raw application.

The earthy and mild flavor from mature amaranth microgreens or even the seeds complements both savory and sweet recipes. However, garnishing is the primary purpose of these microgreens.

These greens can be piled over pasta or salmon or placed in sandwiches and served with green vegetables and quinoa. The possibility to use these microgreens seeds is wide.

Microgreen red garnet amaranth can also be paired with blood oranges, apples, bell peppers, and carrots to create a hearty, delicious, and healthy meal.

Growing Amaranth Microgreens

You can follow the following steps while growing or cultivating microgreen seeds for red garnet microgreens.

Step 1 – Choose Your Growing Medium

The growing medium you use for seed germination is necessary for these plants to grow. The germination rate differs in the conditions the seeds see grow in. You can either opt for germination in a potting mix or a hydroponic grow sheet. The microgreens seeds can grow in any medium, as long as they get enough light and water to sustain growth.

If you choose to use soil, we suggest starting with a depth of 3-4 inches from the soil line. However, if you choose to use grow sheets, make sure they are organic.

Your medium should be poured in a 10 x 20 tray or a growth container perfect for amaranth seeds. The tray or container should have drainage holes to keep the microgreens seeds moist but not too wet to catch mold. Made sure the tray is made of food-grade items since the material might interfere with the seed’s growth.

Other items you will need are one ultraviolet light, a seed shaker, a spray bottle, and some patience.

Step 2 – Seed Preparation

There are a variety of ways in which you can prepare your seeds, depending on the growth medium you use. The first thing you will have to do is spread the seeds in the container with a seed shaker. Make sure each seed has space to grow roots in the soil or the sheet.

You can experiment with a variety of light settings to see which one your seeds like with the soil and water they get. Then, you need to make sure they have enough moisture but are not completely soaked. You can make water addition with a spray bottle.

Put the tray aside for a while and wait for the seeds to germinate and grow.

Step 3 – Germination

To allow the seeds to take root into the soil or the hydroponic sheet, make sure they stay is under proper light for 2-3 days. You will have to mist the seeds lightly. Remember to look for signs of mold formation constantly. If you can see your seeds going bad, you must change the tray immediately.

It would be best to cover the seeds with another tray while making sure the seeds are deeply embedded in the soil and do not pop out. It shouldn’t take more than 3 days for signs of germination to appear.

Step 4 – Let Them Grow

Your seeds will take 10-15 days to reach complete maturity. You will have to give them time and space to grow within the soil or the growth sheet. You will know when your seeds have fully grown when small shoots begin to appear, and you can see pink shoots growing out of the soil.

Allow your stock to grow for 10 days. The microgreens seeds by now should completely disappear and show full-length shoots and roots. Your tray full of microgreens will be ready to harvest post this period!

Harvesting Amaranth Microgreens

Post 10 days is the perfect time to harvest amaranth micros. Harvesting these microgreens is similar to harvesting just about any name you can think of. Make sure the tray does not have any water in it. Then, you can proceed to cut the shoots from a bit over the soil.

Make sure you’re using only a sharp knife for this step. The knife should slice through the greens and not tug on them. If you neatly cut the microgreens without the soil coming out of the tray, you can avoid washing and potentially damaging your harvest.

In addition, here are a few more tips to help you harvest your amaranth micros the right way.

Tip 1 Washing your microgreens is not always necessary.

If you’re growing microgreens in a small jar/container, you should expect a fast but very effective harvest. Place your container over a bowl to gather your microgreens, and rotate the container to snip the stems when it’s time to harvest.

If your microgreen harvest has been watered from the bottom, you don’t need to wash it so it should be free of dirt. However, if you find dirt on the roots, you should clean them with water to remove any remaining soil.

Tip 2 Refrigeration is key!

If you’re growing microgreens in your very own recycled containers, you should keep them refrigerated until harvest time. When it’s time to snip your microgreens, keep your microgreen container in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life.

However, there is a possibility that the cold air will dry out the microgreens. Hence, it is best recommended to keep your container sealed in a plastic bag. In order to make your microgreen last for one extra week in the fridge, you can leave the plastic bag open. Make sure to always bottom water your amaranth micros whenever the soil feels dry.

Tip 3 Do not harvest them all at one go

Storing Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens

Once you’re done with harvesting, it is time for you to ensure your microgreens stay fresh for as long as possible.

The best way to store amaranth microgreens is by placing them in an airtight box and refrigerating them. If you do not put the harvest in a cool environment, the temperature-sensitive seeds might end up getting damaged. With proper cool and dry storage, your harvest should stay fresh for at least seven to ten days.

Summing Up

Microgreens, in general, are known for their added nutrients. They are known to be at least 70% healthier than regular greens. When we look at microgreens of red garnet amaranth, we can see why microgreens seeds have been in such high demand lately.

These microgreens are easy to germinate, cultivate, harvest, and store. All this added with their exceptional flavor, and nutritious value makes it one of the best microgreens you can grow at home.