Mixes and Micro Leaf Nutritional Information
As British Growers of Micro Leaves, Edible Flowers, Growing Cresses, Tender Leaves and other speciality produce, we really know our stuff when it comes to growing delicious, flavoursome produce. In this post, get to know more about our produce, including our Mixes and Micro Leaf nutritional information, their uses and flavours.
Broccoli shoots
Broccoli shoots are little nutritional powerhouses! They are the nutritious new growth of the broccoli plant, and we cut them at 10-15 days old.
Eating lots of vegetables may protect against some diseases, including certain types of cancer. Research continues into possible associations between the intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, wasabi and watercress, among others) and the reduction in various cancers.
These little shoots are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fibre.
The substance responsible for their distinctive aroma releases active compounds during preparation, and while chewing and digesting, which have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as protecting cells from DNA damage.
They can be eaten raw or gently cooked.
Uses: Fantastic in smoothies, sandwiches, salads, stir-fries and great for freezing.
Sunflower shoots
Sunflower shoots are seedlings of sunflower plants that are grown (hydroponically, it’s what we do) and cut between 10-14 days.
These crunchy, nutty, nutritious shoots are a source of vitamin A and K, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, as well as healthy fats and fibre.
Uses: They have a slightly nutty flavour and a crunchy texture, making them the ultimate secret weapon for salads. They are also a fantastic addition to sandwiches, soups and Asian-inspired cuisine. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or with scrambled eggs.
Pea shoots
Understandably one of our most popular micro shoots, pea shoots taste just like a peas in a pod.
Our nutritious pea shoots are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, E and A as well as potassium.
Pea shoots store well, keeping their fresh appearance, colour and nutrient level throughout their shelf-life.
Uses: This versatile little shoot is perfect as the base for a colourful salad, stir fry, risotto, in Asian-inspired dishes and soups or as a tasty garnish or side.
For something sweet, add to smoothies or even a fruit salad!
Watercress
This is not just any watercress, this is Westlands’ baby watercress! Big on flavour and nutrients, it’s an ideal addition to many recipes.
Watercress is an aquatic leafy vegetable (that we grow hydroponically, but you knew that).
It has a distinctive fresh, peppery, spicy flavour, similar to our red mustard frills. It is a highly versatile vegetable, which is most commonly eaten raw (it can be cooked, but this reduces the strength of flavour).
Watercress is a rich source of vitamins C, and a good source of vitamin A and K, calcium, iron and folate, as well as dietary fibre.
Uses: It is a nutritious addition to almost everything, whether that’s a salad, sandwich, sauce, soup, smoothie, stir fry, omelette, dip or pesto.
Golden pea shoots
Just like our famous green pea shoots – but with a twist. Our golden pea shoots are grown hydroponically but in the dark. We grow them this way to prevent photosynthesis from occurring. Their yellow, rather than green, appearance enhances their crisp, sweet flavour.
These delicate shoots are similar to our popcorn shoots, combining great texture and vibrant sweetness with the flavour of fresh green peas.
Uses: Perfect for combining with our green pea shoots or watercress to mix colours as well as flavours and leaf shape. Particularly good in a stir fry or salad.
OUR MIXES
Shoot mix
What’s in it?
A cleverly selected combination of broccoli, sunflower and golden pea shoots mixed with red amaranth give this blend its distinctive look, flavour and texture.
Now our most popular mix, as the blend of flavours delivers quite a punch to your taste buds, while it delivers nutritionally too.
Uses: This is more than just a regular salad in look, texture and importantly, nutrients. It’s a superb addition to any meal, be it a sandwich, salad or garnish.
Wasabi mix
What’s in it?
A sensory mix of wasabi rocket, red mustard frills and land cress.
While the fiery wasabi rocket stimulates the sensors in the nose first, the other ingredients go to work on the tongue. The result is a winning salad combination that packs a peppery punch. We put together these three flavour powerhouses to create one of our tastiest salads of all time.
Uses: The wasabi mix perfectly complements steak and fish dishes, stir-fries, risottos and Asian-inspired cuisine. It even works with the simple eggs and avocado combination and a drizzle of tahini and garlic dressing.
How do you eat yours? Please tag us in all your meal creations.
Tender leaf kale mix
What’s in it?
Kale is an open-headed variety of cabbage and our tender leaf mix includes cavolo nero, green curly kale and red Russian kale.
This delicious, versatile mix is an exceptionally rich source of vitamin C, a good source of vitamin K and folate, a source of vitamins A and B1, as well as fibre, calcium, manganese, copper, iron and potassium.
Uses: Being a ‘mix’ increases its versatility so it can be eaten raw or cooked. Whether tossed in salads, as a tasty garnish on top of your dish, stirred into risottos just before serving or transforming a humble sandwich, the intensity and slightly sweet flavours will complement whatever you’re serving. Remember: Be sure to add it in at the end of cooking so the leaves don’t wilt too much.
For more information on our Mixes and Micro Leaf nutritional information, get in touch with us here.
