Some time ago the baby vegetables, tender buds and sprouts are fashionable, but what really are more nutritious than vegetables lifetime? Here you have the answer to this and other questions.
Don't discriminate vegetables by size
Although there are no conclusive studies, several suggest that baby leafy vegetables, that is to say, the "young" vegetable, and the tender shoots are somewhat more nutritious than their "adult" versions, although the differences are minimal.
- Smaller … more nutrients? That's the conclusion of research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. According to this study, young sprouts, in general, contain 4-6 times more vitamins C, E and K, beta-carotene and lutein than those same mature vegetables.
- "Variable" nutrients. It can vary depending on the place where they have been grown, as well as the time of harvest.
The different offers that you can find in the market
Baby leafy greens aren't the only "young" veggies you can find when you go out. Here are the most popular offers.
- Baby leafy vegetables. They are those that are harvested between 3 and 4 weeks after planting.
- Tender shoots. The vast majority are harvested 7 to 14 days after planting. Its leaves are smaller than the baby ones.
- Germinated. They are even more "young" than the tender shoots, since the seed has broken the membrane that surrounds it, but they still do not have leaves.
Tricks to eat more vegetables of this type
Tender and mild in flavor, sprouts and baby vegetables add a fresh touch to dishes. Salads are a good way to enjoy its properties, but not the only one. Here are some more ideas:
- Like a pizza topping. Add them just before serving.
- To enrich the sandwich. This will make it juicier and more satisfying.
- Add them to your smoothies. You can mix them with fruit and vegetable milk. And if you want to know what your ideal shake is, take the test to find out the juice your body needs.
- In a pesto sauce. Use baby leaves or sprouts in place of the basil.
