Ever tried to make Microgreen with Chia Seeds?

You probably know sprouting seeds make it healthier, right?

But do you know going further as microgreens, you get an even higher amount of nutrients? Yes, it does because of the added chlorophyll that sprouting doesn’t have.

Chia seeds microgreens are a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, amino acids, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It’s full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s can be a great addition to your, sandwiches, salads, soups, or anything you might think of.

Even to garnish your dishes will make them healthier and more interesting as the leaves are very small and extremely cute.

So... shall we start making microgreens?

The method I use doesn’t require soaking the seeds in a jar and not planting them with soil. I simple sprout the seeds directly on the terra cotta tray. It cannot be easier and works like a charm!

You’ll need...

• The seeds

• The terra-cotta tray

• Spray bottle with filtered water

• Indirect sunlight

• Kitchen scissors

To start...

Soak the terra cotta tray in a container covered with water for a couple of hours.

Then... with your tray still wet...

Lightly spread the seeds evenly in the tray. Make sure to put only one layer of seeds. If you get a few empty spaces in between the seeds it is fine. It will grow and you’ll see less is more in this case.

Give the seeds a misting of water. Put the seeds in a dark place or cover them with another tray or a plate. They need dark to germinate and grow healthy roots.

Take the cover when you need to water the seeds and then place it back. Give them a misting 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how dry they get. It’s important not to overdo with water. It should not have pockets of water in the tray. If you put too much water the seeds tend to get moldy.

After the seeds sprout,... usually after two days, the leaves will start growing, then you can remove the cover.

Place the tray near a window where they can get indirect sunlight.

Keep misting the plant without overdoing it. The seeds will keep growing to their full potential.

When it reaches the size you want, or somewhere between 1 to 3 inches tall, it will be ready to harvest.

It might take another 3 or 4 days to get there, depending on how much light they get. At this point, you can start snipping them with your scissors. Cut in small bunches, just above the seed level.

Try to eat them right away, while fresh, as soon as you harvest it. This is preferable to maintain all the nutrients intact. However, if you need to store them, place them in a glass container in the fridge for 2 or 3 days. Keeping them dry to store, will conserve them healthier.

Better not to wait too long to harvest them, because they can get bitter as they mature.

Pretty easy right? Enjoy it as much as you can!! It certainly will keep you healthy!

I hope you'll have a lot of fun making your own chia microgreens!

Let me know how it goes and feel free to ask questions.

With love,

Joyce