Arugula microgreens and Arugula are the same plant, both of which are in the mustard and cabbage green families, but are harvested at different times. Arugula microgreens are harvested much sooner than arugula and are sold at a premium.
Arugula microgreens grow much faster, have a greater concentration of nutritional value, are healthier, are tastier, and are smaller than Arugula.
Both leafy greens are eaten fresh in salads and have a peppery taste that complements other strong flavors like bright citrus, salty cheeses, and more.
Try This: They are also used on baked pizzas and to make pesto. They can be sautéed for a mild vegetable, or incorporated into soups, and pasta, or any other meal.
Arugula Microgreens Overview
Arugula microgreens are immature forms of Arugula that fall between a sprout and a mature Arugula.
They are little veggies that grow to be around five centimeters tall and have one open set of real leaves.
Therefore, they should not be confused with sprouts, which lack leaves.
They are quite simple and quick to cultivate and are consumed much sooner than ordinary arugula.
Despite their small size, Arugula microgreens are more nutritiously concentrated than mature Arugula vegetables.
As a result, they are an excellent complement to any diet.
Arugula Overview
You’re harvesting Arugula when it finally has matured and settle into its flavor and dropped in nutrient density.
It is at this stage when the Arugula has flowered, and it leaves develop a bitter signature.
Arugula adds flavor in salads, it also enhances:
all varieties of pasta and smoked items,
and, serves as a “bed” under seared, or grilled, or meat and roasted fish.
It is slightly less expensive than microgreens, however, it is a little slower in terms of harvest and consumption.
It has health benefits and helps to control diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.
| Arugula | Arugula microgreens |
|---|---|
| Low amount of nutrients | High nutrients |
| Achieves maturity after 45-60 days | Achieves maturity after 7-14 days |
| Elongated leaves with ridges | Has delicate leaves that are curled into a heart shape, broad, smooth, flexible, flat with broad regular margins |
| Less pronounced peppery flavor with a trace of sweetness | More pronounced peppery flavor with a hint of sweetness |
| Has flowers | Doesn’t have flowers |
| Has fewer health benefits | Has more health benefits |
Arugula Vs Arugula Microgreen
Nutritional Analysis and Health Properties
Time plays a major role in all plant nutrients.
Arugula microgreens can have as much as nine times more nutrients than a full-blown Arugula plant because they won’t be taken out of the ground until one to two weeks earlier than a full grown Arugula plant.
Arugula microgreens are often said to be healthier than full-sized Arugula since they contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, as well as being a higher price than that of a mature Arugula plant.
They both contain both calcium and vitamin K, which are good for your health.
Calcium and vitamin K help healthy skin and strong bone development.
But, when compared, Arugula microgreens are shown to contain greater amounts of crucial minerals, vitamins, and healthful Phyto-compounds compared to Arugula.
Time of Harvest
Arugula microgreens are harvested between 1-2 weeks after sowing, when they are still tender.
At this time they are around three inches tall, and may have 1-2 open leaves.
On the flip side: arugula will reach maturity after 45 – 60 days with a height of 20-100 cm.
Form and Size
Arugula microgreens consist of one to two small immature true leaves connected to a thin five-centimeter stem.
The delicate leaves are heart shaped and have wide, commonplace margins. the surface is smooth, supple, and flat.
These leaves add to the microgreen’s crisp, succulent, and fragile texture.
Arugula on the other hand has elongated leaves with ridges connected to somewhat thicker stems and are approximately twenty to one hundred centimeters long.
Their leaves have similar crunchy texture.
Taste
The leaves of most vegetables retain their unique flavor throughout growth period, although the intensity and flavor notes may vary based on growth conditions and age of the plant.
You’ll Notice: While both Arugula and Arugula microgreens have a peppery flavor with a bit of sweetness, you’ll find that the flavor of microgreens is better because they are harvested at a younger point of the plant and have a more intense flavor.
Growth
Because Arugula microgreens are so fragile, they are typically grown in greenhouses or other structures that protect them in organic soil.
They also grow best in the right temperatures, ventilation, and light, which require more attention and cost.
Although Arugula is typically grown outside and prefers dry soil, it also likes moisture.
How They Are Consumed
Microgreen arugula and arugula are eaten without the roots and are typically served as a fresh salad.
The peppery flavor pairs well with other intense flavors, like salty cheese, tangy fruits, and others.
They are also nutritious and are eaten as an add-on topping for pizzas, sandwiches, nachos, etc. or made into pesto.
They can also be sautéed and eaten as a mild side dish or added to soups, pasta and many other dishes.
Final Thoughts
Even though Arugula and Arugula microgreens come from the same plant species, there are differences in when they are harvested, length, price, and nutrient density.
Arugula microgreens are much smaller than Arugula, and can be sold or eaten earlier than the Arugula.
Both are usable when consumed, as they can be eaten at different times, while providing almost the same nutrients to the consumer.
The nutrients in Arugula or Arugula microgreens are good because they help maintain the immune system, cell growth.
They assist with maintaining heart, kidney and lung function, they help expectant women or woman who plan to be pregnant and lower the risk of cancer.