The Power of Pea Microgreens: Pea Shoot Benefits and Growing Tips

Pea microgreens, or pea shoots, are tiny versions of grown up pea plants, and are increasingly gaining popularity for their crunchy texture, sweet taste, nutritional & health benefits, and easy-to-grow nature.

These delicate and flavorful greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and folate, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

The article was written by Karolina from MP Seeds.

You think that veggies are healthy? Some microgreens have 30-40 times more vitamins. 

With their quite short growing cycle, pea microgreens are perfect for those looking to start a small indoor garden and have fresh greens available year-round, or professional growers. In this article, we will:

• go over what are pea microgreens, 
• provide tips on growing and harvesting them,
• explore the benefits of pea microgreens, 
• share some creative culinary uses for these versatile and healthy greens.

What Are Pea Shoots?

Pea shoots are young, tender plants that are grown from the seeds of mature pea plants. These miniature versions of the adult plant are harvested when the seedlings have just developed their first true leaves, which usually takes about 10-14 days after planting.

Pea microgreens are known for their crisp texture, fresh pea flavor, and vibrant green color, making them a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. Pea microgreens varieties may be distinguished by stem length, tendrils twist, and color.

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You may influence these issues by type of cultivating too. 

Today I want you to meet Pea Jumbo! The Jumbo pea variety is a type of garden pea that is known for its large size and sweet flavor.

This variety of pea is also an ideal option for growing pea microgreens because it produces long stems, which means more tender leaves to harvest. The Jumbo pea microgreens are larger and sweeter than other varieties of pea microgreens, making them a popular choice.

Moreover, this variety of pea microgreens is easy to grow and requires minimal care. With its fast growth cycle and high yield, the Jumbo pea variety is a favorite among microgreen growers, especially for those who want to grow pea microgreens for commercial purposes.

How to Grow Pea Microgreens from Seeds?

Growing pea microgreens is a simple and rewarding process that can be done year-round, even in a small space by the professional growers, and for microgreens beginners. To grow Jumbo pea microgreens, you will need:

• a container, such as a tray or a pot, 
• potting soil (we recommend coco coir or even better coco mats), 
• and Jumbo pea microgreen seeds. 

From pre-soaking to harvesting, we’ll help you become an expert gardener! 

• Just keep in mind that these seeds need a quick 8-12 hour soak.
• After 6 days of germination.
• Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and place the container in a well-lit area. 
• Water the soil regularly, making sure not to let it dry out. 
• Pea microgreens will be ready to harvest in 10-14 days when the first true leaves have appeared. 
• Simply cut the leaves just above the soil level, and your fresh and nutritious Jumbo pea microgreens are ready to be used in your favorite dishes.
• Plus no fertilizer is needed during growth and pea jumbo loves bottom watering best!
• Don’t forget – pack up dried plants in containers for extended shelf life.
• Choose between two different tones. You can grow them without light to get a really crunchy sprouty taste or grow as normal microgreens.  

Who knew gardening could be so easy AND yummy?

Benefits of Eating Pea Shoots

These tiny greens are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any diet.

Unlike their mature counterparts, pea microgreens are easy to grow indoors and can be harvested year-round, making them an ideal option for those looking to add fresh greens to their meals.

Here are some points if you needed to be convinced to eat pea microgreens:

• High in nutrients: Pea microgreens are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall health.
• Antioxidant-rich: Pea microgreens are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Low in calories: Pea microgreens are low in calories, making them a great addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. They are also high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Versatile: Pea microgreens are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They have a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, soups, and more.

Using Pea Microgreens

Their fresh, sweet flavor and delicate texture make them an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. They can also be used as a garnish for soups, stews, and omelets, adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor.

Moreover, pea microgreens can be blended into smoothies or juices to add an extra dose of nutrients, such as protein and fiber. These tiny greens can also be used in:

• pestos, 
• sauces, 
• and dips, 

giving them a unique and delicious twist. Finally, pea microgreens can be added to baked goods such as:

• bread, 
• muffins,
• and biscuits, 

providing a subtle, sweet flavor and a vibrant green color.

The possibilities are endless, and with their exceptional taste and nutritional benefits, pea microgreens are a must-try for anyone looking to add fresh, healthy ingredients to their meals.

To Sum Up the Pea Shoot Benefits Article

Pea microgreens are the tiny, delicious, and versatile superheroes of the plant world. There has to be some reason we call the superfood!

These little guys pack a powerful shot of nutrients and flavor, making them a fantastic addition to many meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing pea microgreens is easy-peasy and can be done year-round.  Even if you live in a tiny apartment, there are no contradictions.

Not only do pea microgreens taste great in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, but they can also be blended into smoothies or used as a garnish for soups and stews. And let’s not forget their sweet flavor and vibrant green color, which make them the perfect addition to baked goods.

So, if you’re looking to add a little bit of magic to your meals, try growing some pea microgreens – they’re the ultimate plant superheroes!

Have a happy growing, 

Karolina from MP SEEDS

ABOUT MP SEEDS

MP Seeds. delivers high-quality microgreens seeds across Europe!

They are a small, family-owned company based in Poland from where we sell and deliver micro-greens, micro-herbs, and edible leaves seeds all over Europe. From France and Austria, through Germany, to Hungary, Italy, or the Netherlands, they deliver seeds in any quantity.

If you are in Europe or within MP Seeds’ delivery reach, please check out their beautiful website and store at MPSeeds.eu.

Home Microgreen Pea Varieties

The pea variety Jumbo described in the article above is more like shelled pea varieties sold here in the states. It looks like a mixture between the Dun and Yellow pea. In most cases the Dun Pea has more leaf than tendrils. The Yellow Pea variety more tendrils than the Dun.

Home Microgreens has two additional articles on pea microgreens, the first on how to grow pea shoots step-by-step, and the second includes the numerous pea shoot benefits.

I would expect that different growing conditions have an affect on the pea growth behavior but I do not have any data as of yet to confirm that suspicion.

I’m thrilled to have a Microgreen Seed provider in MP Seed for my European readers. For those of you in the states here are the pea shoot varieties Home Microgreen carries.