Quick and tasty mini leaves

Cress and other microgreens takeup little space and grow at no time at all.
Timetosow: all year

Drfferent cresses and microgreens wul add interest and flavour to your saIads and sandwuches. Growmg cress is somethmg most of us have done as a Chlld, usually sproutmg the convenhonal 'mustard and cress' on trays of damp kitchen paper.

These days, chefs have embraced the Idea of tender, tasty sproutmg seeds. and now seed compahues offer a range of other options to try. A" are desngned to be eaten as young seedlings, often 6-15 days after sowmg, before their 'true Ieaves’ appear. Many of these mncrogreens are hnghty nutnhous. Brocolli cress IS easy, colourful, and very good for you, whule tiny coriander leaves, fennel shoots and radish shoots are fabulous additions to saIads and make attractive garmshes for cooked dashes.

Seeds can be sown directly into beds or containers outdoors in late spring and summer, and harvested when young, but for best results sow indoors all year round. Fm pots or seed trays the vermiculute, not compost, and scatter the seeds thmly over the surface. Place the pots on the kitchen windowsnll or in the greenhouse to germinate.

TIP Experiment with different flavours -onions, red cabbage and pea shoots are also very good.

references: BBC 2011 gardeners book
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