AGRICULTURAL HISTORY OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

 

ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 

MICROGREENS

What is a MICROGREEN? 

Microgreens, tiny leafy vegetables, are becoming a new cooking ingredient.It is a young, delicate green with two fully developed cotyledons that look like the first pair of true leaves or partially developed.They are young, delicate leaf green cotyledons, presented in a useful palette of colors, textures, and flavors.Microgreens are a new class of edible vegetables that are harvested when the first leaf is fully bloomed, but before the actual leaves appear.

Microgreens, also known as "vegetarian confetti", are various small and delicate plant seedlings used to add variety and color to salad mixes.

 WHICH SPECIES ARE GROWN AS MICROGREENS?

Microgreens can grow from a variety of seeds.

The most popular varieties are obtained from the seeds of the following plant families:

Cruciferous: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula.

Apiaceae: dill, carrots, fennel and celery.Amaryllidaceae: garlic, onion, leeks.

Amaranthaceae: amaranth, quinoa, beets, beetroot and spinach.Pumpkin family: melons, cucumbers, pumpkins.

Asteracae: lettuce,chicory, endive .

Grains such as rice, oats, wheat, corn, and barley, and legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils are sometimes also grown in micro-vegetables.

 HIGH DEMAND MICROGREENS 

 Beet, amaranth and chard microgreens are in demand when a splash of It takes color to season a dish, but it is also difficult to grow.They are commonly used as side dishes and are also an important ingredient in salads. 

 WHEN IT WAS FIRST UTILIZED?

Microgreens originated in the San Francisco area in the late 1980s, when they appeared on chefs' menus.With its exotic varieties and bright colors, micro-vegetables are a new and widely used ingredient.in sandwiches, salads, and garnish to enhance the sensory properties of a variety of dishes. As such, microgreens as specialty food products have gained increased attention in food markets and restaurants. 

 WHERE THEY CAN BE GROWN?

 Microgreens can be grown in greenhouses, in soil, or soilless systems, by using organic or non-organic, solid or hydroponic growing media.

The choice of nutrient medium is one of the most important aspects in the production process of micro-plants as a nutrient mediumone of the main costs of production, plays a major role in determining the yield and quality of microgreens, and influences the environmental sustainability of the production process Microgreens can be grown in greenhouses, in soil, or soilless systems, by using organic or non-organic, solid or hydroponic growing media. 

The choice of medium is one of the most important aspects in production.The micro-greening method, since the culture medium is one of the main production costs, it plays an important rolePlay a role in determining the yield and quality of micro-vegetables, and affect the ecological sustainability of the production process. 

Since ideal growing media for microgreens are provincially available and comparatively inexpensive, many local farmers engage in producing microgreens in greenhouses.

 Moreover, no previous studies have specifically investigated the differences in sensory attributes among commercial, regional soil-grown, and hydroponically grown microgreens.

 ARE THERE ANY NUTRIENTS IN MICROGREENS?

Ascorbic acid is the most common type of phytochemical, with a concentration of 41.6 to 139.8 mg/100 g. Roselle microgreens were found to have the highest mean content, followed by French basil, radish, and carrot microgreens.A similar range of total ascorbic acid content was found in 25 commercial micro-plant species (204–147 mg/100 g FW) and 30 varieties of Brassicaceae microgreens (32.9–120 mg/100 g FW) . The highest lutein content among the culinary microgreens was obtained in carrots, which had2.7 levels higher than spinach (less lutein). The values were following those obtained in mustard, beet, and parsley microgreens (53.64–122.91μg/g FW, equals to 5.4–12.3 mg/100 g FW). Consumption of 3–5 mg lutein per day has been reported to reduce the risk of early, intermediate, and advanced age-related macula degeneration (AMD) . Based on the USDA reference amount customarily consumed for green leafy vegetable (85 g/day) , all the culinary microgreens contribute 7–20 mg lutein daily, making them remedial ingredient which can aid in the management of AMD. 

 Similar DPPH RSA was reported in common and Tartary buckwheat microgreens with IC50values of 239.7μg/ml and152.5μg/ml, respectively .Fennel microgreens, an aromatic species, had the highest ferric reducing power with a FRAP value of 38.7μmol FE/GFW; 575.4μmol FE/g DW, followed by roselle microgreens (36.3μmolFE/g; 519.3μmol FE/g DW), a vegetable species is an antioxidant capacity assay that uses Trolox as a standard.This test is commonly used to measure the antioxidant capacity of foods, beverages, and supplements containing polyphenols.) 

Roselle microgreens, a vegetable species from the Malvaceae family, were also found to contain the highest ASA, TPC, and TFC concentrations in the present study. Studies have also reported good amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins immature roselle leaf extracts.

 Carrot microgreens had the highest lutein content, while fennel microgreens the highest chlorophyll content, FRAP. All the studied microgreens were found to have higher or comparable OPCI and PCI than spinach mature leaves. Based on OPCI and APCI, the micro-greens high in antioxidant phytochemicals and antioxidant potential were roselle (vegetable species), fennel (aromatic species), French basil(aromatic species), and sunflower (oleaginous species). 

 While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper.Studies comparing micro greens with more mature greens show that the nutrients in micro greens can be up to 9 times that of mature greens.

 CAN IT BE CONSUMED BY PATIENTS WITH DIABETES AND CHRONIC DISEASES?

 YES !! IT CAN BE AND IT HAS BENEFITS TOO 

 Heart disease: Micro vegetables are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease.Animal studies have shown that micro-vegetables can reduce the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Alzheimer's disease: Foods high in antioxidants, including foods high in polyphenols, may be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Antioxidants in diabetes can help relieve stress because stress interferes with the normal flow of sugar into cells.Certain types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, especially those rich in polyphenols, can reduce the risk of various cancers.Micro-vegetables rich in polyphenols can also produce similar effects. 

 OTHER BENEFITS 

Improving Digestion Healthy foods that possess properties to encourage the natural growth of beneficial gut bacteria are called Prebiotics.Cruciferous microgreens (broccoli and cabbage) are prebiotics proven to improve the body’s natural resistance to invading pathogens.

 Lowering Cholesterol Researchers found that eating red cabbage microgreens can lower LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Their data further suggested that microgreens can help to control weight and may protect against cardiovascular disease. 

 

 

Although this seems promising, remember that the number of studies that directly measure the impactThe use of micro green plants in these medical facilities is limited, and they cannot be found in humans. 

 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MICROGREENS, VEGETABLES AND SPROUTS?

 In fact, not only are they different in appearance and taste, but they are also grown in different ways. Another difference is that microgreens and sprouts are technically at different parts of the growing cycle of any given vegetable/herb.

 All plants start as a seed. Think of the seed as an embryo. Seeds are embryos that come with a protective shell, which is called the seed coat, and it contains Indoor plants need to get rid of all the wonderful nutrients and vitamins of this layer, among other things protective coating and the embryo is the endosperm, which wraps around the embryo and gives the baby

 Let's talk about Germination . Then there is budding.Bud is the germinated seed.This means that the "sprout" of the seed wakes up from sleep and becomes a real living plant.With the nutrients stored in the seed, the embryo develops its torso

.Imagine bean sprouts-the stems of seedlings!If you let the germinated seeds germinate, they will eventually grow into mature plants.At that time, you will have fresh and refreshing bean sprouts.

People often sprout in water.To prevent mold, these seeds are washed once or twice a day.The bean sprouts grow very fast and can be harvested in about four to six days.Little light and food are needed for germination (in fact, no need at all).

The bean sprouts are delicious and healthy. A word of admonition, though: sprouting seeds require a certain amount of humidity, a condition in which bacteria thrive. 

 According to Food safety.Since 1996, at least 30 food-borne disease outbreaks have been reported to the government. Bean sprouts are used in a variety of dishes mainly because of their contrasting texture rather than their visual appeal. Their taste is relatively mild.

 Tiny Baby Microgreens

Microgreens is the result of cotyledon growth when the plant grows its first leaf. The "cotyledon" usually becomes the first leaf of the plant.They are formed in seeds and when they appear they are like leavesThey perform photosynthesis: both convert light energy into chemical energy necessary for plant growth.The leaves and stems are usually eaten, and the seeds are more likely to germinate in the soil or peat instead of germinating in water like buds.Soil provides nutrients for plants.They take longer to grow, one to three weeks, depending on the plant.Unlike seedlings, seeds cannot be eaten because they are in the ground.The microphone also needs sufficient light and good ventilation, just like any plant can be grown indoors or outdoors.Microgreens should not be confused with baby vegetables. Baby vegetables are not suitable for any growth stage; these are foliage plants that are harvested before they actually mature.So you have your first real leaves, but they are not as big as imagined.

In terms of taste, miniature vegetables are larger than their younger siblings (sprouts) and older siblings (tender vegetables or mature vegetables). Many studies have also shown that, depending on the variety, micro-vegetables have higher nutritional value than their mature counterparts.So here is the difference between micro vegetables and bean sprouts. 

Miniature vegetables are grown on the ground; bean sprouts sprout in the waterGreen leaves and stems can be eaten; you can eat the seeds of "stems" and bean sproutsDepending on the variety, it takes one to three weeks for micro-vegetables to grow; bean sprouts grow out in less than a weekMicrogreens are packed with flavor and are often used as garnishes; sprouts are great for crunch.  

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CAN IT BE GROWN AT HOME?

Studies have shown that micro-vegetables contain nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants.The best part is that they can grow quickly on your window sill, no matter what you have in your kitchen.Collect these leafy vegetables and the cotyledon leaves will sprout., The first or two sheets of paper.Unlike most plants, micro-vegetables can be grown almost anywhere, even in winter in northern climates.Because micro-vegetables occupy such a small area, it is convenient and profitable to grow them indoors when weather conditions do not allow it

.Step 1: Choose your seeds. Look for mustard, fenugreek, coriander, fennel, and basil seeds in the spice cabinet because they are easy to sown to grow miniature vegetables.You can also use dried peas, mung beans and sunflower seeds.You can get unparalleled broccoli, radish, spinach, beet and kale seeds.

Step 2: Select the containerIdeally, miniature vegetables are grown in shallow trays that can hold up to 5 cm of soil.But if you don't have such garbage, you can easily recycle things that are originally garbage.Use a previously purchased shoe box or basket.Otherwise, you can also use the Tetrapack box by cutting off one side.Remember that the container must have drainage holes so that the excess water can drain without decay.

Step 3: Growth Medium The best medium for growing micro-vegetables is the right combination of coconut peat and fertile soil, which is possible in your community.

Step 4 :If you don't have soil, you can take some paper towels and fold them up to make sure they are moist enough for the seeds to germinate.Spread the seeds thickly on the ground or wet tissue paper.Cover the tray or container (or the lid of the basket) with newspaper and avoid direct sunlight.This is to ensure that the seeds germinate and do not lose moisture.Spray the container with water twice a day. 

Step 5: the sun is here!On the third or fourth day, when the leaves begin to appear, expose them to sunlight.However, it should be in direct sunlight to prevent the small leaves from burning and drying out.The kitchen window sill is an ideal place to store it and spray micro-vegetables with water repeatedly.Don't wait too long to harvest mini vegetables, as this will change their taste and make them bitter. 

  

Things To Remember

 1.Be sure to use seeds that have not been chemically treated

 2.Use high-quality soil that does not contain chemical substances to make micro-vegetables grow well. 

 3.Don't over-water the micro-vegetables, and make sure your container has drainage holes.

Can India grow micro-vegetables?

Although micro-vegetables do not require a lot of maintenance, there are a few points that are OKkeep in mind if you want to grow a healthy crop, especially concerning Indian conditions.

 1. Environment- Microgreen crops thrive most benefit in low humidity, ideally between 40-60% and at moderate temperatures of (Note: The seeds germinate in a high humidity environment.When they sprout, they should be exposed to the air because they like low humidity. )If you want to grow them indoors, make sure you have enough air. 

 2.Space: As mentioned earlier, micro-vegetables do not require a lot of space to grow.The area of ​​5,000,000 square meters should be enough to grow about 75,100 kilograms of plants. 

3.Seeds: High-quality seeds are the key to a healthy harvest.The right seeds will help prevent mold and mildew.When buying seeds, make sure to store a small amount.Seeds are easily contaminated by fungi, so it is best to work in small batches. 

 WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MICROGREENS IN INDIA?

Speaking of India, I have to say that we know much more about micro-vegetables today than it was a few years ago. At the same time, awareness is restricted to a couple of metros and bigger cities where people have access to both knowledge and fresh produce.

The biggest problem with mini-vegetables is that we must eat them fresh, otherwise they will be eaten raw and lose their famous rich flavor. When we are picking up a pack of harvested leaves from the fresh food section of our favorite store, we might not be picking up the freshest bunch. We can keep them in a cool place like a refrigerator but not for more than 2–3 days. 

The Another factor impacting the demand, I believe is that these are often used as garnishes or as a small component of a bigger meal which means, you might not buy them quite often as other vegetables and greens. But there is a big segment of health-conscious people who consume these regularly as microgreens are highly nutritious and have a lot of health benefits including improving one’s overall immunity. 

The fact that so many commercial companies own micro-vegetablesonline channels across the country, supports the fact that they have become quite popular. Fresh micro-vegetables can already be bought in big cities.Freshly harvested peels and live peels are inexpensive. This also reflects on the profitable business model and am sure they all must have put commercial farms.

 COVID -19 also has opened up a lot of opportunities for healthy foods which should help this industry. 

 WILL THE FARMERS FIND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCE?

 Yes !!The entrance to the market is easy, There are not too many growers in India.This makes it easy to chat with chefs who like to use new food.They can also add value to existing manufacturers and suppliers.Hydroponic cultivation also eliminates soil defects, which confirms its nutrient content.Micro-vegetables that are easy to grow can achieve high-efficiency agriculture because they require very little resources and space.

Use some basic materials to harvest healthy crops.Save time As the micro-vegetables change very quickly, the entire process rarely takes more than a month.Even if the plant does not work properly for some reason, it can change quickly.

Lower water consumption Whether it is hydroponic cultivation or other methods, micro-vegetables require less water than mature plants.Good market share. Microgreens is already known as a side dish or health food supplement in the market. So there is an opportunity to gain customers and make a good profit. 

 WHOM TO MARKET?

 

 1.Retail space Restaurants, hotels and other restaurants with more modern/healthy cuisine are big customers of microvegetables. 

 2.Retailers In addition to direct contact with restaurant owners, wholesalers can also significantly improve microscreening by accessing larger channels.

 3. Individual consumers- Building a network of people who are willing to invest in healthier ingredients could very well work in favor of your sales.

 4.Internet With the development of online retail, you can sell your products faster, and possibly cheapersell your microgreens, provided you have logistics in space to ensure the crop is still fresh when delivered. 

 ESTIMATED PROFIT THAT CAN BE EARNED BY GROWING MICROGREENS

 Because it does not require large fields to grow miniature vegetables. You can grow it easily in small backyards or even on terraces. ...Micro vegetables have a good market value. 

You can make as high as INR 150 for every 100-gram radish or pea-shoot microgreens.22-Feb-2018 Yes, the main advantage of a microgreen business is that it can be grown almost anywhere. It is both profitable and practical to start and manage a microgreen market in India. Many businesses and startups are investing in microgreen business, as it is profitable and requires less space.09-Nov-2020 Pricing- 

The average rates at which microgreen products are sold in the market are between ₹1500-2500 per kilo Also points to remember are that buyers are willing to pay more if they are assured of good quality and local produce.  

What are the Limitations?

Mould spores are produced in humid, hot and humid environments. This can occur when you are continuously giving them too much water or if they are Placed in a humid environment, they will not get the correct temperature or lightGreenish seeds must be stored in the dark to germinate.

This is called a blackout period.If you only prepare bean sprouts, but do not put them in a dark place and/or do not cover them with soil (depending onSeed type) You will find that these seeds may not germinate or germinate slowly, and the quality may vary.

It’s a fact that most plants need light to grow and stay healthy. HoweverNot all plants need light to germinate. As we will see, some seeds encounter light as an obstacle.

But if we look at it from a gardener’s point of view, we can use itGenerally speaking, most plants grown and sold as seeds prefer to germinate in the dark. If you find that your leaves are wilting it’s a sign that they are either getting too little water or over-crowded seedlings.Insufficient water One of the most common reasons for the wilting of micro-vegetables is that they do not get enough water.If you let them dry, they will begin to wither, just like growing full-size vegetables.It is very important that vegetables are moist and not dry

.For various reasons, pests may invade your garden and miniature vegetables.This may be due to various reasons we discussed in this article. Too much water, too little water, light and heat, the use of fertilizers, etc.If you plant them in a tray different from other plants, pests usually do not invade the micro vegetables.

However, if you place the trash can next to other plants and garden items, the pests may spread throughout your home.It may be tempting to add a lot of seeds to get a bigger harvest, but it is not the case.This will lead to the opposite result.Microgreens need space to grow and should not be placed together as this will prevent germination.

The problem gets worse when you plant slimy seeds like chia seeds.When they get wet, they form a viscous gel-like coating, and if they stick together, problems can arise.Microgreens are very similar to hybrid plants, except that they reproduce asexually according to various environmental factors (such as temperature, light, and nutrients).It is important to understand the difference between the two different types of microvegetables (ie female and male microvegetables).In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

The most common female plants have strong taproots that can climb up the stems.As the plant grows, the taproot will expand and shrink.This plant looks ordinary. This plant grows very similar to common ones.However, there is a problem-the risk of food poisoning. However, the potential for bacteria growth is much smaller in microgreens than in sprouts.

Microgreens requires slightly less warm and humid conditions than bean sprouts, and only consumes leaves and stems, not roots and seeds.

The disadvantage of this plant is that it cannot reproduce sexually.This means that the system remains unchanged every year.The only way to ensure that this plant reproduces sexually is to put it in seeds.This requires extensive research.

 

KEYWORDS

 

TPC- TPC activity is the process to figure out the amount of phenolic content in the samples.Phenolic compounds in plants have redox properties that enable them to act as antioxidants.

FRAP- Ferric reducing the ability of plasma (FRAP, also Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power

 DPPH RSA -The DPPH essay is used to predict antioxidant activities by a mechanism in which antioxidants They inhibit lipid oxidation, thereby eliminating DPPH free radicals, thereby determining the ability to eliminate free radicals.Due to the relatively short time required for analysis, this method is widely used. 

ASA -The production of hydroponic leafy vegetables rich in ascorbic acid (ASA) and low nitrate content is critical for the improvement of the cultivation systems towards the production of high-quality products for the consumers. 

 TPC -Total phenolic content (Presence of considerably good amount of phenolics may contribute significantly to the antioxidant properties) 

TFC-Total flavonoid content. 

APCI-The Antioxidant Potential Composite Index

 OPCI-An Overall Phytochemical Composite Index (OPCI).

 

REFERENCES

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Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2017 v.57 no.12 pp. 2730-2736

3. https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/6892485

Turner, Ellen R., Luo, Yaguang, Buchanan, Robert L.

Source:

Journal of food science 2020 v.85 no.4 pp. 870-882

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Journal of food science 2020 v.85 no.4 pp. 926-935

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Comparative evaluation of phytochemical content, antioxidant capacities and overall antioxidant potential of select culinary microgreens

Author links open overlay panelManjula D.GhooraAshrita C.HaldipurN.Srividya

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Consumers’ acceptability and perceptions toward the consumption of hydroponically and soil grown broccoli microgreens

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 IMAGE SOURCE 

1.https://www.theweek.in/leisure/lifestyle/2020/06/12/microgreens-grow-your-own-food-kitchen-window.html

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