Microgreens catching on in the farming scene

In land scarce Singapore, growing microgreens are the trend now, as farm lot and house sizes are much smaller then they were. Furthermore, the prohibitively expensive labour and rental costs make growing these seedlings an even more attractive option for modern farmers. This growing method even comes with an addition benefit of being organic, as no pesticides and fertilisers are necessary. Some studies have shown that microgreen pack 40 times more nutrients than their mature stage.

Sprouts vs Microgreens

Sprouts are not grown in a medium like soil or peatmoss. In commercial settings (and sometimes in homes), they are farmed in containers that are inundated with water from time to time. Sunlight is not required for their growth.

Microgreens are grown in a medium like soil or peatmoss. They need sunlight and air circulation. After the first leaves are fully developed, microgreens could be harvested. Microgreen have a better taste, as compared with sprouts that tastes plain.

Although sprouts may habour more bacteria because of their growing environment, consumers are advised to wash both sprouts and microgreens thoroughly. Sprouts should be cooked before consumption but microgreens could be eaten raw.

Companies involved with Microgreens locally

1. G.R.E.E.N.S (Grow. Reap, Eat, Educate, Nurture, Share)
Website: www.facebook.com/greens.in.sg and www.greens.sg
Activities: Workshops to educate on microgreens. Participants would get their own microgreen kit.

(source: G.R.E.E.N.S facebook)

2. Green Nature Ecological Technology
Website: www.greennatureeco.com
Activities: A greenwall company and microgreen farm at Lim Chu Kang Agrotechnology Park growing pea sprout, pine willow sprout, sunflower sprout, alfalfa, radish sprout, toon sprout, buckwheat sprout, sesame sprout, black bean sprout, and wheatgrass. Although they are supplying to the major supermarkets, they are also open to small orders from individuals.

3. Pocket Greens
Website: www.facebook.com/urbanfarmbarn and www.pocketgreens.com.sg
Activities:  Located Bukit Panjang Hill Community Farm, Pocket Greens offer workshops, gardening supplies and the adoption of microgreen "lots". Patrons just need to turn up twice - one time to sow and the other time to harvest. The growing process would be handled by the company.

(source: Pocket Greens website)

4. Kin Yan Agrotech

Website: www.kinyan.biz

Activities: Hosts group visits to their farm at Lim Chu Kang Agrotechnology Park, and supplies vegetables to major supermarkets. They sell wheatgrass, buckwheat sprout, and other agro products on their website.