Taking a closer look at the health benefits (and potential risks) of eating microgreens.
Microgreens have long been touted for their nutritional and health benefits. Harvested early in their growing cycle, microgreens have been shown to deliver high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Known for their vibrant colours and intense flavors, these nutritious and delicious little greens are gaining popularity with consumers. (Check out our popular Gourmet Microgreens seed mix.)
But recent studies conducted by RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen in Winnipeg, Manitoba have shown that the health benefits of store-bought microgreens may be overshadowed by what else they may contain – high counts of coliform bacteria. While most coliform bacteria are not harmful, some can make you sick. A person that has been exposed to these bacteria may have an upset stomach, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Children and the elderly are more at risk from these bacteria.
Microbial counts were conducted on several store-bought packaged microgreen products and compared with microgreens grown in a Les Verts Terrace™ indoor hydroponic garden system at their facility.
Here is a summary of their findings:
“Analysis of microgreens revealed substantial differences between store-bought packaged microgreens and those cultivated with the Terrace Pro unit. Store-bought microgreens exhibited higher microbial counts both pre- and post-wash, with colony counts too numerous to count (TNTC). Conversely, microgreens grown using the Terrace Pro unit displayed comparatively lower microbial counts.”
While the reasons for the increase in coliforms may be numerous (significant transportation time between harvest and testing, unknown irrigation source, and multiple handlers from harvest to testing), their study concluded that:
“The evaluation of the Terrace Pro unit and subsequent microbial analysis of fresh produce samples have yielded significant insights into the potential applications of hydroponic systems for safe and sustainable food production in commercial contexts.”
Les Verts Terrace™ indoor garden systems allow users to reap the 4S Benefits of Hydroponics, including Safety. Commercial field grown greens are a main cause of foodborne illness due to bacterial contamination, which can occur through the soil, contaminated water and/or animals. But even large-scale vertical hydroponic farms are vulnerable as produce can be contaminated during handling, storage and transportation as well. The risk is far reduced when growing hyper-locally in a small-scale hydroponic system like the Les Verts Terrace™. By controlling the process from seed to plate, you know exactly how your food is handled.
For more information about food safety and the safe handling of fruits and vegetables from the Government of Canada, click here. For more food safety guidance on the commercial production of greens using a Les Verts Terrace™ system, please contact us here.
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