Red cabbage microgreens are known not only for their colorful presentation but as well for their many health benefits. The green leaves and intense purple stems make them immensely popular to grow at home and use as a garnish!
What Are Red Cabbage Microgreens?
If you love your red cabbage but don’t have space nor time to grow the full-grown veggie, then these microgreens are for you. It’s a great alternative for home growers who doesn’t have the garden needed to grow this otherwise big vegetable.
Red cabbage is a fast-growing variety of microgreens. They have beautiful purple stems, the same color as the full-grown vegetable.
Growing red cabbage as microgreens is also an amazing source of nutrition and taste.
| Growing period | 10-14 days |
| Flavor | Broccoli like cabbage flavor |
| Growing difficulty | Easy |
| Buy seeds | Red Cabbage seeds from True Leaf Market |
Description
The red cabbage is also known as Blaukraut and is related to cauliflower and kale. As a mature vegetable, it has a round-headed shape. It stands out with its intense red and purple color with large beautiful leaves, and it’s often eaten raw or cooked in coleslaw.
Dating back as far as 1570, people in southern Europe were cultivating this vegetable. Initially, it was considered a food for livestock, but it has in time found its way into many different cuisines and fine-dining.
Today it’s an important part of cuisines across the globe. Especially in Germany, where the locals are accompanying it with dishes such as Sauerbraten or Döner.
General Nutrition & Benefits
Red cabbage is known for its many health benefits. It’s low in fat and calories and comes with a high concentration of vitamins C and K and antioxidants. Healthline outlines eight impressive benefits, including fighting inflammations and promotion of heart health.
RELATED: The Most Nutritious Microgreens to Grow and Eat
How to Grow Red Cabbage Microgreens
Red cabbage microgreens are both easy and quick to grow. It makes them ideal for beginners growing at home.
| Growing timeline (estimated) | |
|---|---|
| Presoak | No |
| Preferred medium | Hydroponic, soil, or coconut coir |
| Avg. seed weight (10/20 tray) | 20 gram |
| Germination period (blackout) | Day 1-5 |
| Growth time (sunlight) | Day 6-9 |
| Harvest | Day 10-14 |
You can grow red cabbage in potting soil, coconut coir, or using a hydroponic mat. Either way will work very well. Find the container of your choice and fill it up with your medium.
The seeds don’t need to be pre-soaked before you plant them. You just sprinkle them evenly across the surface. Always give them a good mist before you place your container in the dark.
To support the germination and make the stems grow tall and strong, you can place a weight on top of the seeds during the blackout period. You apply this method if you are using larger trays. Do this for the first four days.
Red Cabbage seeds germinate quickly, and after six days, they have grown tall and are ready to be introduced to light. As you bring them out, the color of the greens will change. They will go from yellowish to green leaves with purple stems.
Continue to keep the roots and medium moist but not soaked. Give them water twice a day, a mist in the morning and one in the evening. If you are growing your microgreens in a container with drainage holes, you can water from the bottom. Read this article to learn about bottom-watering.
Once the red cabbage microgreens have reached a height of about 2 inches, you can harvest them. Cut the stems just above soil level using a sharp knife or scissors.
Culinary Guiding
The red cabbage microgreens have the same taste as the full-grown plants. You can use them in most dishes as a garnish, mix in salads, smoothies, baguettes, and soups.
RELATED: Tasty Ways To Use Microgreens
Why not add an extra touch to a wok cabbage dish or eat it raw as a side dish!
