It’s the year of the microgreens – and you don’t need greenfingers or to have a garden to enjoy the benefits. A window sill will suffice!

2021 is here and you want to improve your eating habits to develop a healthier diet.  An active lifestyle that includes fresh fruit and vegetables is known to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

What are mircogreens?

Microgreens are grown from seeds and can be cut with a pair of scissors after they have grown to approximately 2-3 inches tall.

They are a flavoursome superfood rich in nutrients. Microgreens are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. The taste-busting leaves can be used in salads, sprinkled on hot foods as a garnish or added to sandwiches.

The taste varies between each variety and there is a wide range of popular choices that also includes edible flowers such as borage and marigolds and herbs including basil, coriander and parsley.

The most popular mircogreens include:

• Broccoli
• Carrot
• Radish
• Spinach
• Rocket
• Pea shoots
• Beetroot
• Mustad
• Fennel
• Leeks

All you need is a windowsill: some microgreen enthusiasts use food containers with special growing mats that are kept moist. Other indoor gardeners prefer to use a mix of soil and compost in small pots Ensure the container has adequate drainage, buy quality seeds and follow the instructions on the packet for successful germination.