Autumn has arrived with Mother Nature putting on her finest display. Multi coloured leaves fall from trees, the smell of mulch is thick in the air, and the late afternoon sun is low in the sky painting roof tiles terracotta orange. For many, autumn is the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and head out into nature. Mindful walking in autumn can be a real treat for the senses; the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, dew dappled cobwebs making us stop and observe, and the penetrating dampness releasing woody smells. But autumn also brings darkness, long nights and shorter days. For those who work conventional hours, crispy crunchy woodland walks are few and far between. Self-care during the colder months can be challenging, but something as simple as a windowsill garden can be beneficial to your mind and your body. Microgreens are the perfect addition to your windowsill garden, they grow all year round, they grow quickly, they are fresh, and full of vital nutrients and polyphenols. Not only that, microgreens support your mind, body and gut giving you a much-needed autumn boost
Microgreens for the mind
At Teeny Greeny, health and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. Not only do we believe in our product, but research suggests that being in the proximity of plants is beneficial for our mental health. The great thing about microgreens is that they don’t take up a lot of space in your home, or time out of your busy life. Microgreens look great on any windowsill, add a splash of colour and life when they sky outside is grey and the earth is frozen, plus they pack a powerful punch to mind and body.
Plants give you the opportunity to be creative and help reduce stress.
Did you know that microgreens are nine times denser in nutrients, antioxidants and polyphenols that full grown plants? The benefits of polyphenols are gaining traction in the media at the moment, news-medical.net for example, suggests that ‘polyphenols may delay cognitive decline and preserve brain function.’ Our favourite quote comes from Pendulum magazine who said, ‘we should think of microgreens as nutritional fertilizer for the neural network.’
Microgreens for the gut
According to Professor Tim Spector, for maximum gut health, we should be eating 30 different plants per week. A portion of microgreens can be counted as one of these plants. At Teeny Greeny we know that Microgreens are truly a superfood when it comes to gut health. Their rich nutrient profile, high fibre content, antioxidant properties and support for a diverse gut microbiota make them an invaluable addition to our diet. More importantly though, they taste fantastic.
‘By incorporating microgreens into our meals regularly, we can nourish our digestive system, improve nutrient absorption, and maintain overall gut health.’
Alice (Grower, Owner & Founder at Teeny Greeny)
The Gift of Microgreens
Imagine giving the gifts of health and wellbeing to your loved ones. Well now you can, We have some new and exclusive gifts on our website, and with Christmas around the corner, now is the time to get your orders in. Our Merry Microgreens is a limited edition kit, it is festive, fun, and filled with everything you need to grow the freshest holiday cheer. Or how about our Microfarm Vitality kit? This kit is like a wellness retreat in a box, delivering fresh microgreens packed with nutrients that can supercharge any salad, smoothie or Buddha bowl. You can find all our gifts here Teeny Greeny Gift Guide 2024.
Recipe of the week
Pea Soup with Cashew Cream
This soup is silky smooth, packed with flavour, easy to make, and a great canvas for your Smorg’s (see our last blog). Not only that, peas are low calorie, high in plant fibre, and a great source of protein, folate, magnesium, iron, potassium and vitamins A,C&K.
Ingredients
800g frozen peas
1 white onion
2 garlic cloves
1 celery stick
Half pack of Vivera plant bacon (optional)
Quarter cup cashew nuts
Stock to cover
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Add all ingredients except the Vivera bacon to a soup maker or pot. Bring to the boil. Fry the plant bacon for 5 minutes then add to the pot. Reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Blend until smooth.
Smorgs
Mixed seeds and nuts
Radish microgreens – Vitamin B6, Calcium, Vitamin K, Carotenoids (lutein& zeathanthin), Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Protein, Vitamin C, Sulforaphane.
Broccoli microgreens – Beta carotene, calcium, antioxidants, vitamin K, Carotenoids (lutein& zeathanthin), Vitamin B9, Sulforaphane, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Vitamin E.
Kale microgreens – Vitamin B6, Calcium, vitamin K, Carotenoids (lutein& zeathanthin), Beta carotene, Manganese, Vitamin C, Potassium, Sulforaphane.
Shop Microfarm Vitality which contains a beautiful Purple Radish Microgreen, plus Red Cabbage & Broccoli Microgreens.