Types of Microgreens: 15 Varieties, Their Taste and How to Use Them
There are dozens of types of microgreens. Almost any vegetable, herb or grain you can grow from seed can be harvested young as a microgreen. In practice, a few families make up most of what you will find, and each tastes very different. Here are the 15 types of microgreens Veda grows in Bengaluru, grouped by family, with what each tastes like and how to use it.
Types of microgreens at a glance
| Family | Microgreens | Overall flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Brassicas (mustard family) | Radish, white radish, English mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, pak choi, turnip | Mild to peppery |
| Legumes (pea family) | Pea shoots, methi (fenugreek), alfalfa, clover | Sweet, earthy or very mild |
| Others | Sunflower, wheatgrass, kenaf | Nutty, grassy or mild |
1. Brassica microgreens
The biggest and most popular group. Brassicas grow fast and contain glucosinolates, the plant compounds broccoli is known for. Flavour runs from mild to very peppery.
Radish microgreens
Taste: peppery, crisp and bright. Best in: salads, sandwiches, wraps and chaat. Try them in our moong and radish microgreens salad.
White radish microgreens
Taste: fresh and peppery, milder than pink radish. Best in: salads and sandwiches.
English mustard microgreens
Taste: sharp, spicy and pungent; use sparingly. Best in: raita, dal topping and sandwiches. See our mustard microgreens raita.
Broccoli microgreens
Taste: mild, fresh and versatile. Best in: smoothies, salads and sandwiches. A good first microgreen. Try the microgreens smoothie.
Cauliflower microgreens
Taste: mild with a clean green flavour. Best in: salads, sandwiches and bowls.
Kohlrabi microgreens
Taste: mild, fresh and delicate. Best in: salads, sandwiches and bowls.
Pak choi microgreens
Taste: mild with a light, clean bite. Best in: noodles, soups and stir-fries.
Turnip microgreens
Taste: peppery and crisp, similar to radish. Best in: salads, sandwiches and wraps.
2. Legume microgreens
Legumes give some of the sweetest and most familiar-tasting microgreens, and several are already common in Indian kitchens as mature plants.
Pea shoots
Taste: sweet, tender and fresh, like young peas. Best in: poha, stir-fries, kosambari and wraps. See our pea shoots recipes.
Methi (fenugreek) microgreens
Taste: earthy and herby, milder than mature methi. Best in: paratha, thepla, chilla, dal and sabzi. Try our methi microgreens paratha.
Alfalfa microgreens
Taste: very mild and delicate with a light crunch. Best in: sandwiches, wraps and smoothies.
Clover microgreens
Taste: mild and slightly sweet. Best in: salads, sandwiches and wraps.
3. Other microgreens
Sunflower microgreens
Taste: nutty, juicy and crunchy. Best in: salads, wraps and bowls. One of the most filling microgreens, with thick stems that hold their crunch.
Wheatgrass
Taste: fresh, grassy and slightly sweet. Best in: juices and shots. It is too fibrous to chew, so juice it rather than using it as a garnish.
Kenaf microgreens
Taste: mild and fresh; a specialty green from the hibiscus family. Best in: salads and as a fresh garnish.
Other popular types of microgreens
You will also see amaranth (including red amaranth), beetroot, basil, coriander and red cabbage microgreens. Amaranth and beetroot are prized for their deep red colour, basil and coriander for their herb aroma. Veda does not grow these right now; message us on WhatsApp if you would like them.
Which type of microgreens should you start with?
- New to microgreens: broccoli, pea shoots or sunflower. Mild, easy and family-friendly.
- For Indian cooking: methi for rotis and dal, radish for chaat and salads.
- If you like heat: English mustard or radish.
- Can’t choose? The Weekly Greens Box brings 5 different types every week, chosen by Veda.
Which are the healthiest microgreens?
There is no single healthiest type. Studies show nutrient levels vary widely between varieties, and each family brings something different: brassicas bring glucosinolates, legumes bring folate and protein, and sunflower brings healthy fats. Eating several types is better than looking for one superfood. Read more in microgreens benefits and disadvantages.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of microgreens are there?
Over 60 vegetables, herbs and grains are commonly grown as microgreens, and many more are possible. Most home cooks rotate through 10 to 15 popular types.
Do you need special seeds for microgreens?
They are the same plant species, but microgreen seeds are usually untreated and grown for eating young. See microgreens vs sprouts for more.
Where can I buy different types of microgreens in Bangalore?
Veda grows all 15 types above and delivers them fresh across select areas of Bengaluru. You can buy microgreens online on WhatsApp. See Our Greens and microgreens prices.
Ready to cook? Browse all our microgreens recipes.