Cannabis Microgreens: Hemp Sprout as Super Food

With recent changes in lifestyle patterns, interest in fresh foods and healthy living are trending. The most recent iteration of this trend is the rise of cannabis microgreens as a new specialty crop in markets and restaurants. 

The recent buzz regarding growing cannabis by using your grow tent kit has spurred much debate regarding the potential health benefits of the cannabis plant. And while some microgreen farmers have claimed that microgreens pack more flavor and nutrition into every bite, the specific health benefits of microgreens are still unknown. However, what is known is that microgreens make a nutritious substitute for a variety of garnishes and toppings in fine cuisine.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are leafy green plants with fully developed cotyledonary leaves with or without fully mature embryonic leaves. Consumption of microgreens has increased due to the presence of higher antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds than their mature counterparts. Microgreens are the herb-like or seedling type form of the plant.

Over the last couple of decades, keen interest has grown in new food crops that support longevity, superior health, and gastronomic delight.  Microgreen consumption is frequent in Asian countries, but in recent decades, this trend also started in western countries.

Imagine being able to include micro mint lime or micro cannabis as a zesty and visually appealing garnish. Not only will the selected hemp sprouts make the dish stand out visually, but also including cannabis seed garnishes provide unique flavors and aromas, further enhancing the appeal of the dish. These garnishes are less likely to be tossed aside or scraped off of the dish, making them a unique complement to your menu’s popular dishes.

The Idea Of Microgreen As A Culinary Ingredient

The idea of microgreens originated in the Bay Area’s very own San Francisco, California, a culinary hot spot. Since then, it has become a culinary ingredient in restaurants and grocery markets worldwide. 

Different plant species can be used as microgreens, including families like Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Cannabis and more. 

Most grown microgreens crops are arugula, mustard, kohlrabi, pak choi, cabbage, and kale. Researchers found that these microgreens are high in nutrient content, and in their study, revealed that these microgreens contain more nutritional value than mature plants of their species. 

This is due to the presence of a higher level of bioactive chemicals like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds in these early staged plants, which make them consider the “superfoods”. 

Why Hemp Sprout Is A Superfood

Hemp Sprouts are a safe superfood

Contrary to other superfoods, such as soy, there are no contraindications when a person consumes a high amount of hemp sprouts. So eat to your hearts content! 

Hemp Sprouts Contain and Maintain a Stable Ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6

Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids or PUFAs, for short, are the kind of plant-based fats considered to be a great neuroprotectant, effectively preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Cannabis Microgreens have a low percentage of fats compared to other seeds (only 30%). Consuming low levels of dietary fats is not only fundamental for metabolic and cardiac functions but is also a pivotal point for cognitive performance.

Hemp Sprouts Provide all Amino Acids

This is an amazing form of an unmatchable superfood. Amino acids are the structure sections for proteins, making cannabis products such as cannabis tea the most complete form of vegan protein. 

Hemp also contains Edestin, a unique protein that is easily absorbed by the human body and can deliver a quick boost of energy. Side note: Although high in protein, a steak, for example, does not contain all 20 amino acids!

Hemp Contain High Levels of Cannaflavins

Cannaflavin is an underrated flavonoid that has a unique anti-inflammatory property. Its efficiency is also documented as being higher than that of aspirin.

Hemp Sprouts Taste Good!

Hemp Sprouts have a slightly nutty, earthy taste. Think hazelnuts mixed with a leafy green and you have an idea. This makes cannabis sprouts not only more potent than aspirin, but also more desirable.

Hemp Sprouts Do Not Contain THC

The percentage of decarboxylated THC is as low as point one percent, making hemp sprouts incredibly safe to consume while showing no psychotropic properties.

Cannabis Microgreens Contain High Levels of Phytoestrogens

Due to the cannaflavin carried in cannabis sprouts, it presents a novel feature: a similar chemical structure to a related plant that has been recognized as the plant with the greatest levels of phytoestrogens. Oestrogen is a potent neuroprotectant. Intake of phytoestrogen is also great at preventing PMS symptoms in women.

Cannabis Sprouts are Bursting with Antioxidants

Antioxidants, as you know, is what keeps you healthy, thus improving the body vs Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). When you eat cannabis microgreens you are boostng your body with crucial antioxidants. 

You Can Grow Cannabis Sprouts in your home!

With a little knowledge and practice, you can reduce the cost of this superfood to zero! With your own microgreen grow kit (which you can easily purchase off Amazon), you can grow hemp sprouts, so you can liven up any sandwich, salad, or smoothie anytime. These home grow indoor kits typically contain multiple varieties of microgreens, such as Broccoli, Radish, and Arugula herbs. To grow your own cannabis microgreens all you need to do is use your hemp seeds as you would a standard vegetable seed. Not sure where to get hemp seeds? Click Here! 

Cooking Cannabis Microgreens

Cooking healthy doesn’t have to mean that you sacrifice flavor and fun in your meals. In fact, incorporating microgreens and edible flowers into your menu allows you to keep your dishes healthy, flavorful and vibrant.

Incorporating microgreens into a variety of dishes allows you to keep your menu healthy without sacrificing quality. No matter how health-conscious diner is you can never have too many greens in a diet, and incorporating microgreens into restaurant’s dishes allows you to provide another source of healthy greens. 

Dishes that don’t feature vegetables or greens can be vibrantly enhanced with the addition of cannabis microgreens. Portions of pasta, soups, and even desserts can incorporate the unique flavors and textures of fresh microgreens

Testing with various microgreens and edible flowers on some of your dishes is a great way to increase their appeal.  Fusing microgreens to improve flavor and beautiful add a garden-fresh element. With a bit of creative experimentation, microgreens can add an eye-catching and flavorful addition just about any high-end dish.

Bottom line

Cannabis Microgreens are gaining importance due to awareness and change in the lifestyle. These are a source of nutrition and antioxidant compounds like vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds that are linked in promoting human health.