What are Microgreens?
Scientists see microgreens as a functional food, which means that they can provide key nutrients in a practical way. Some people call them a superfood.
In addition to their nutritional value, they can add flavor, texture, and color to salads and sandwiches. People can also add them to smoothies or use them as a garnish.
They are suitable for eating raw, which means that they retain their vitamin and mineral content.
Health Benefits
Microgreens might offer several benefits as an addition to the diet.
Rich in nutrients
Many fresh plant products provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
These nutrients can help with:
preventing a range of diseases
managing weight
boosting both mental and physical health and well-being
Microgreens can offer all of these benefits and possibly more.
Kale is available as a microgreen as well as a regular vegetable. Find out why it is good for you.
Antioxidant content
Many plant based foods are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamins and minerals play hundreds of roles in essential bodily processes.
Antioxidants help the body eliminate unstable waste molecules known as free radicals.
Free radicals result from both natural bodily processes and environmental pressures, such as pollution. As they build up, they can lead to cell damage. Eventually, this damage may contribute to the development of diseases, such as cancer.
The body can remove some free radicals, but they can still accumulate. Antioxidants from foods can help remove more of them. Plant based foods can provide antioxidants.
There is evidence to suggest that microgreens have a high antioxidant content, which means that they may help prevent a range of diseases. The exact types of antioxidant will depend on the plant.
Microgreens from the Brassica family, which include broccoli, contain high levels of vitamin E, a phenolic antioxidant. Asteraceae microgreens, such as chicory and lettuce, appear to be high in vitamin A, or carotenoid antioxidants.
Details about using microgreens to treat or prevent specific diseases are not yet available, but scientists are looking into their possible benefits.
Broccoli and its cousins — cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts — are healthful vegetable choices. Learn more about broccoli.
Specific groups
Some researchers have suggested that microgreens may be suitable for tailoring to provide additional nutrients to specific groups of people.
For example, one group of scientists produced chicory and lettuce microgreens with high levels of the nutrients that green, leafy vegetables usually contain but a lower potassium content. This nutrient profile, they said, could be useful for people with kidney disease.
Tailored microgreens could also be beneficial for people who follow a vegan, vegetarian, or raw food diet and for those who cannot access or consume fresh vegetables due to issues of availability, cost, or health.
Sustainability
There is a growing interest in sustainability, and microgreens could be a good way to provide city dwelling families with locally produced seasonal vegetables at a low cost.
Microgreens are easy to grow at home in a confined space. A small outlay can provide a significant return in terms of bulk, variety, and nutrients.
As they take just a few weeks to grow, it is possible to have an ongoing source of microgreens. By rotating three crops, for example, people could have fresh microgreens every week. Hydroponically grown microgreens do not even need soil.
Experts have suggested that microgreens could even provide fresh and healthful food for astronauts.
Fine Dining
Our hotel is inspired by the global mid-century modern design movement, and in turn, our on-site restaurant and café, Continental, is influenced by cuisines around the world. Famous for her fusion dishes, head chef Layla Wu creates seasonal menus that still have a little bit of English flair. That’s right, you can still get your fish and chips, but don’t be surprised to taste a little tarragon.
In Hotel Bar
The mixologists at our bar, Refill, create innovative and delicious cocktails with a chemist’s precision. Beers crafted by London’s best breweries are on tap and rotated monthly to keep our selections interesting. We also have a small stage where musicians and entertainers of all kinds perform for the sensory delight of our guests.