Frequently Asked
Questions
Product Questions
Are microgreens the same as sprouts?
Not quite. Sprouts and microgreens are both young plants, but they differ in how they are grown, harvested, and consumed. Here are the key differences:
1. Growth Method
- Sprouts: Grown in water or a moist environment without soil or a growing medium. They are typically harvested within 2–7 days.
- Microgreens: Grown in soil or a hydroponic medium and exposed to light for photosynthesis. They are harvested after 7–21 days just before or after they develop their first true leaves.
2. Appearance
- Sprouts: Consist of the seed, root, stem, and immature leaves. They are smaller, often stringy, and lack a developed stem.
- Microgreens: Have a more developed stem and leaves, resembling tiny leafy vegetables or herbs.
3. Nutrient Content
- Sprouts: High in enzymes and slightly lower in fibre since they are eaten whole, including the seed.
- Microgreens: More nutrient-dense, containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to their exposure to sunlight and longer growth period.
4. Taste and Texture
- Sprouts: Have a mild, crunchy texture and a fresh, slightly grassy taste.
- Microgreens: More diverse in flavour, ranging from mild to spicy, tangy, nutty, or even sweet, depending on the variety.
5. Food Safety
- Sprouts: Higher risk of bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) because they grow in warm, moist conditions.
- Microgreens: Safer to eat raw because they grow in soil or hydroponic medium with less risk of bacterial growth, and are harvested at the stem above the soil.
6. Usage in Cooking
- Sprouts: Often eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, and can be lightly cooked to reduce bacteria risk.
- Microgreens: Used as a garnish, in salads, smoothies, soups, or sandwiches, adding colour, texture, and flavour.
What is the best way to store microgreens?
Microgreens are best stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator (between 2-4 degrees C). We’ve found that storing them upside-down in the refrigerator reduces the buildup of condensation in the packaging.
What is the shelf life of microgreens?
Microgreens shelf life varies, depending on the variety and storage, but generally last at least 10-15 days and usually more! Larger leaf microgreens (Sunflower, Pea) usually last longer than smaller leaf, more delicate microgreens (Broccoli, Red Cabbage, Kale). For example, our experiments have shown that properly stored and unopened Pea microgreens can last up to 6 weeks! However, it’s been our experience that microgreens are so versatile, tasty, and healthy, they are usually consumed well before they have the opportunity to spoil.
How can I use microgreens?
Microgreens are incredibly versatile, and can be used in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, garnishes, or as a nutrient-rich ingredient in main dishes, adding flavour, texture, and vibrant colour. Microgreens are even a great nutrient source for pets!
Check out our “How To Use Microgreens” page for a comprehensive list of ways to use microgreens!
Can I cook microgreens?
Sure, but care must be taken to only cook very lightly and quickly, due to delicate nature of microgreens. Adding them to dishes at the very end of cooking is recommended.
Can I freeze microgreens?
Yes, you can freeze microgreens, but it’s not ideal since freezing can damage their delicate texture and reduce their crispness. If you do freeze them, they are best used in smoothies, soups, or cooked dishes rather than fresh or as garnishes. To freeze microgreens properly, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Blanching before freezing can also help preserve some nutrients.
What are the health benefits and nutritional contents of microgreens?
Microgreens are packed with concentrated nutrients, including vitamins (A, B-complex, C, E, and K), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc), and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Their high levels of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds may also aid in heart health, digestion, immune function and much more! Check out our “Health Benefits & Nutritional Content of Microgreens” page for much more information.
Which is the healthiest microgreen?
It depends on the health and nutritional needs of the consumer. A person who may need more beta-carotene or vitamin C in their diet would best benefit from consuming Red Cabbage microgreens. A person who is at risk of, or is being treated for cancer may want to consider Broccoli microgreens for their very high sulforaphane content. Those who wish to increase the protein, healthy fats (omega-3, omega-6), and essential amino acids in their diet may want to consume Sunflower microgreens. Please check out our “Health Benefits & Nutritional Content of Microgreens” page for much more information.
Can microgreens be part of a Ketogenic diet?
Yes! Microgreens can definitely be part of a ketogenic diet. They are low in carbohydrates, packed with nutrients, and can add a fresh, flavourful boost to keto meals.
Why Microgreens Work for Keto:
- Low in Carbs – Most microgreens have minimal net carbs, making them keto-friendly.
- High in Nutrients – They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help support overall health.
- Adds Variety & Flavor – Microgreens can enhance the taste and texture of keto-friendly dishes like salads, omelets, wraps, and even smoothies.
Best Keto-Friendly Microgreens:
- Broccoli Microgreens – High in fiber and sulforaphane (a powerful antioxidant).
- Radish Microgreens – Slightly spicy and great for digestion.
- Sunflower Microgreens – A bit crunchy and packed with healthy fats.
- Pea – Slightly sweet but still low in net carbs.
- Kale & Arugula Microgreens – Great for adding a peppery bite and boosting nutrients.
Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re tracking carbs strictly, but overall, microgreens are a fantastic addition to a keto diet!
Are your microgreens washed prior to packaging?
No. Our microgreens are grown using clean and reputable sources of seed and soil, cultivated indoors in a clean, pest-free environment, and harvested and packaged using sanitary practices… therefore washing is unnecessary. As a matter of fact, washing microgreens prior to packaging often increases the risk of spoilage, and the extra handling of these delicate plants during a washing and drying procedure prior to packing could physically damage them, thereby decreasing their quality and shelf life.
Should I wash my microgreens prior to use?
As stated above, our microgreens are a very clean product and we deem washing is unnecessary. However, by all means, feel free to wash them if you like.
Are microgreens safe to feed pets or livestock?
Yes! The vast majority of microgreens are very beneficial and healthy for pets and livestock to consume. As with humans, animals can benefit from the high concentrations of macronutrients, vitamin, minerals, pytochemicals, and antioxidants in microgreens.
Note: Although all of the microgreens we currently grow are considered safe for pets and livestock, some microgreen are dangerous to feed to pets and other animals. These include: buckwheat, chives, garlic, leek, macadamia, onion, oregano, parsley, sweet pea or everlasting pea (the Pea we grow, pisum sativum, known as speckled pea, is safe), sorrel, tomato plant, and watercress.
Careful and thorough research should be conducted prior to feeding your pet or livestock any new food product.
Is your packaging biodegradable/compostable?
NO, our packaging materials are made of fully recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET or #1 plastic).
We have done research on this subject and found that PET based packaging is less harmful to the environment when properly recycled than the clear biodegradable/compostable “plastic” packaging currently available. The reason for this is that currently available biodegradable/compostable plastic packaging products are only compostable in special composting facilities designed to handle these products, and there are very few such facilities in North America. Consultation with the City of Guelph confirmed this fact, and that local composting facilities are not capable of composting such materials. Hence these biodegradable/compostable plastic products are disposed of in the “Waste” disposal bin and sent to landfill. When left to nature to decompose, these biodegradable/compostable plastics take can decades or more to decompose, and due to the low temperature decomposition, they release methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 25-30 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. For these reason, we have chosen to not use so-called biodegradable/compostable “plastic” packaging.
In the future, as we grow, we hope to explore the feasibility of reusable containers for our product packaging. Until then, or if we find a more environmentally safe, effective, and practical packaging product, we have chosen to use fully recyclable PET plastic packaging.
Where can I learn more about microgreens?
There is an abundance of information about microgreens on various websites and YouTube pages with varying depth, breath, and accuracy of content. Most of these sources are pretty decent, but there is one source in particular that far surpasses all of the sources that I have discovered. That source is the website Microgreens World (microgreensworld.com). Microgreens World is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the cultivation, nutritional benefits, and business aspects of microgreens. This website offers an absolute wealth of information unmatched by any other. Most importantly, Microgreens World emphasizes evidence-based information, citing scientific studies to support its content. It is my go-to source for accurate, detailed, and extensive information on microgreens.
Ordering & Delivery Questions
Where do you deliver?
We are a new company, with plans to grow, but at the present time we only deliver within the boundaries of the City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. For customers outside of Guelph, please contact us for alternative arrangements.
Is there a delivery cost?
There is a delivery cost of $3 for orders under $25. Delivery for orders $25 or more is free!
When will my microgreens be delivered?
Short answer… delivery day is on Fridays.
- For ONE-TIME PURCHASES, your order will be delivered on the Friday following 2 weeks after you place your order.
- For SUBSCRIPTIONS, your first order will be delivered on the Friday following 2 weeks after you place your order. After that your order will be delivered on Fridays at the frequency you choose.
Longer answer… Because we are a very small company and prioitize product freshness and sustainable practices, we currently operate on a “Grow-to-Order” system. When your order is placed, your microgreens are sown at the beginning of the next crop cycle for that particular product, counting backwards from the planned delivery date. Every crop has a unique growing cycle, and crop cycles for our current line of products range from 9 to 14 days. Hence we need at least 14 days to grow, harvest, and package your microgreens. Confusing? Yes it is! This is why we use a crop management system for all of this.
This is where a SUBSCRIPTION becomes a big advantage. With a subscription, we are aware of orders well ahead of time, and can plant crops to fulfill those orders in a much more timely manner. By overlapping crow cycles we can provide fresh microgreens as soon as every week, instead of every 2-3 weeks using one-time purchases.
Can I order different microgreens at different subscription frequencies? For example, Sunflower every week and Broccoli every two weeks?
Absolutely! You can order any products at any amount at any frequency you wish. Each product is added to your cart at the frequency you choose. You will be presented with a summary of your order, including frequencies on your Cart page prior to payment.
Can I cancel my subscription(s) at any time?
Yes, you may pause, skip, or cancel your subscription by contacting us at least 48 hours before your next scheduled delivery, by reaching out to us via our Contact page.
Why do I need to place a cooler outside?
A cooler (or insulated/cooler bag) protects your delicate microgreens from undesirable temperatures (hot & cold) by providing a more stable and cool environment. Frost and especially high temperatures can degrade your microgreens rapidly. It also protects your microgreens from being enjoyed by hungry neighbourhood creatures with an excellent taste for quality, healthy food.
What payment methods do you accept?
Currently we accept payment by Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay and Link.
Miscellaneous Questions
Does Grenny’s Greens support Canadian businesses?
You betcha! Grenny’s Greens is a proud Canadian company based in Guelph, Ontario. We purchase approximately 95% our of seeds and packaging materials, and 100% of our growing media, fertilizer, and growing trays from Canadian companies. Even our Crop Management System program and web hosting platform are Canadian! Grenny’s Greens places a high priority on purchasing from Canadian companies wherever and whenever possible and practical.
Are Grenny's Greens Certified Organic?
Although we plan to seek organic certification sometime in the future as we grow, Grenny’s Greens are not certified organic at the present time. However, we do prioritize organic practices in our inputs and procedures. We use industry leading and reputable materials and follow sustainable methods to ensure high-quality, eco-friendly products. Our microgreens are grown using only the highest quality certified organic seed from North America’s most reputable microgreen seed supplier, a highly reputable Canadian made peat and perlite based growing medium, supplemented with certified organic fertilizer. We use no pesticides in our process and operate in clean indoor conditions. While we lack formal certification, our commitment to natural and responsible processes remains strong.
Do you sell at Farmer’s Markets?
Not at the present time, although we hope to become a presence at Farmer’s Markets in the Guelph-Cambridge-Kitchener-Waterloo area in the very near future.
Do you sell at Grocery Stores?
Not at the present time. We hope to expand to local, “Ma-&-Pa” type grocery stores in the near future.
Still have a question?
Please feel free to ask us by reaching out via our “Contact” page. We will be more than happy to answer your questions to the best of our ability.