Growing Cilantro Microgreens
“What’s growing around you is what you planted. Therefore, if you don’t like the plants, change the seeds.”
Growing
Reflection
There is an innate wisdom in the Earth. Our kinship with plants can enlighten and empower us. As we consider and consult the greens that grow so near to us, what do we learn— what Earthly gifts are they so freely offering to our body and soul?
What do we know about cilantro?
It’s got roots. Generally thought to be from the Mediterranean like most herbs, there are references to cilantro in Egyptain writings and in Biblical texts.
It’s edible. The fresh taste is a wonderful addition to salads, and soups, and smoothies. It is great in guacamole and as a toper to vegan tacos, potatoes, and sandwiches.
It’s nutrient dense. Cilantro microgreens are a fabulous way to get your nutrients in quickly. They are forty times more nutrient dense then when in their mature state. These earthy delights are loaded with both vitamins and minerals, containing C, K, A manganese and potassium. They also have considerable amounts of fiber and folate.
It’s medicine. This plant has been used historically as both food and medicine. It reduces blood sugar and anxiety. It also eliminates free radicals and heavy metals from the body. It supports brain health. Cilantro promotes good sleep.
It’s useful. This plant is antibacterial and antiviral. Adding it to your foods prevents food poisoning and helps to defend your body from envoironmental toxins.
What Advise for living does this plant give?
Grow bright and offer a clean fragrance to the world. Defend and cleanse. Elimate all that does not serve the body and mind. Embrace your ability to cleanse and heal.
I like to grow Leisure Splits Organic Cilantro. This variety is a dependable germinator, and though it does take time and patience to grow, it is a faster germinator than other varieties. I love it for its clean smell and its wonderfully fresh flavor.
If you would like to grow these, it is not difficult at all. Begin today, and you will be harvesting and enjoying them soon!
To grow these microgreens, you only need a few things. You need three trays: two solid and one with slots for watering and drainage. I use the 10 * 20 size. I get mine through The Bootstrap Farmer. You will also need a grow medium. There are several choices. I use coco coir. You will need nutrients. I use Ocean Solution and dilute it in filtered water. And, you will need a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to harvest. For clean up, it’s good to use food grade hydrogen peroxide. Oh yes, and you will need the seeds. I buy most of mine through True Leaf Market. And finally, you will need grow lights. I got mine through Amazon: Barrina Grow Light, 144W(6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Super Bright, Full Spectrum Sunlight Plant Light, LED GrowLight Strips, Grow Light Bulbs
Fill the tray with holes up half way full with coco coir. Spread soil evenly, and press it down firmly. Measure out 11/2 to 2 T of seed. Spread the seed evenly across the grow medium. Mist generously with water. The soil should be fully saturated but not puddling. Cover with a thin layer of the coco coir. Sandwich that tray between the two solid trays. Put a weight on top and place on a shelf for about 6 days to germinate. On day 5, remove the top tray and place back on the shelf under grow lights. At this time begin to water with a nutrient mix at a cup a day; the plants’ water needs will differ depending on where you are growing. The mix is just filtered water with a little bit of the ocean solution. When I mix mine, I make a gallon at a time and mix .05 oz into my gallon of filtered water. When you water, you do not want your grow medium to be too saturated, only slightly moist. When your greens get to the size you like, between days 13 to 17, use a sharp knife or scissors to harvest. You may harvest as you eat them for really fresh, fresh greens, or harvest them all at once and store them in an air tight container in your refrigerator. You can also freeze them. They are still fresh and last up to a week, until the next batch is ready! Good luck! And if you grow, please leave photos and comments below. I would love to share your experience!
Questions
Do you cultivate cilantro?
Do you grow your own microgreens?
Do you know how nutritious cilantro microgreens are?
Do you know how easy it is to grow your own greens?
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Gratitude for Greens
I am thankful for the green growing things of this Earth.
I am thankful that greens are so easy to grow.
I am thankful for the plants that are edible.
I am thankful that they are available world-wide.
I am thankful for the healing benefits of plants.
I am thankful for how easy they are to digest and assimilate.
I am thankful for how easily greens deliver vitamins and minerals to my body.
I am thankful for how easy they are to harvest and to prepare.
I am thankful for their textures.
I am thankful for their smells.
I am thankful for their beauty.
I am thankful for their taste.
I am so very thankful that I can even grow these greens indoors!