Evaluation and correlation of sensory attributes and chemical compositions of emerging fresh produce: Microgreens
Microgreens are emergeing specialty food products, which recently have garnered increased attention in the United States. They are tiny versions of regular plants produced from the seeds of vegetables, herbs or grains, having two fully developed cotyledons with the first pair of true leaves emerging or partially expanded. Microgreens are usually harvested in 7–14 days after germination. Although small in size, microgreens can provide intense flavors, vivid colors, and crisp textures and can be served as an edible garnish or as a new salad ingredient (Brentlinger, 2005). A previous study has found that microgreens are generally packed with more phytonutrients (such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene) than their mature plants, and are excellent sources of vitamins and carotenoids (Xiao et al., 2012).