Thanks for your purchase! We want you to get the most out of your “Living” Microgreens, so we wrote this quick care guide for you. If you follow a few simple instructions on how to take care of your microgreens, you can expect a 6-9 days shelf life which is typical of most produce.

How to Keep Your Microgreens Fresh

Yes, there are significant benefits to eating microgreens as soon as they are cut. That’s why I deliver living microgreens instead of selling pre-harvested microgreens in plastic clamshell containers. It’s a known fact that all vegetables begin to lose nutrients once cut from their roots. Living microgreens provide all of the vitamins and minerals that mother nature intended you to have. But… you say you have a hard time keeping a cactus alive? No worries! I have a few methods to keep your microgreens fresh for up to 10 days! Most people have success with Option #3.

1. On Your Kitchen Countertop– Leave the box of microgreens on your countertop, with the flaps open. Please do not put them in direct sunlight or under a ceiling fan. It will dry them out very quickly. Once every 2 days, check to see if the grow pad is still moist. If dry, remove the microgreens grow pad and pour 2 ounces of water into the box. Put the microgreens back in the box. This will keep them hydrated.
2. In Your Refrigerator– Place the box of microgreens in your refrigerator. Make sure it’s not in a direct path of the cold air coming out of the blower because they can easily freeze. Once every 3-4 days, check to see if the grow pad is still moist. If it’s dry, follow the watering steps outlined in method (1) above. When stored in the refrigerator, it is normal to see condensation on the leaves. If you see too much water on the leaves, we recommend putting them on your countertop instead. Too much moisture can lead to premature spoilage.
3. Cut and Store in Refrigerator – Leave the box microgreens on your countertop, with flaps open, for a day. It will evaporate any condensation that accumulated on the leaves. Once the microgreens are dry, you can cut and place them in an airtight plastic or glass container lined with a paper towel. Having dry microgreens is a crucial factor in how long they will stay fresh. Too much moisture can cause premature decay. From there, all you need to do is put the container in your fridge and use them when needed. It’s that simple!

How to Cut and Use Microgreens

Cut your microgreens with a scissor roughly ½” above the grow pad. You can give them a quick rinse if you’d like. Then add them to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soups, or just eat them plain. Get creative with your meals! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for great recipe ideas! @LongIslandMicrogreens. We recommend consuming 1 oz per day or every other day, which is roughly ¼ to 1/3 of the pad.

What is that white fuzzy stuff at the base of the stems?

This is, by far, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. The short answer is, it’s not mold. The white fuzzy stuff is called micro root hairs, a normal horticultural phenomenon with hydroponic microgreens. Plants use these microscopic hairs to wick up moisture to feed. With proper care, your microgreens should not develop mold or rot. If mold does appear, it will show up as a small ball of slimy fuzz higher and closer to the leaves of the microgreens. Stem rot is typically brown and slimy and occurs at the base of the pad. You can easily identify when your microgreens are beginning to spoil.

You should also review our FAQ section on the home page. It answers some of the most common questions our customers have. As always, if you have a question that is not answered, please feel free to reach out at any time.