Preparing Microgreens for Professional Sale🛒: Tips and Tricks for Small Business Owners
Attention growers! Professionals and those who take their microgreens hobby very seriously. Are you looking to take your microgreens game to the next level and start selling to clients? Or perhaps you're already selling but want to improve your presentation and shelf life?
In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to prepare and pack microgreens for sale. We will touch below topics:
- trays and boxing
- watering
- harvesting
- storage
As a grower and entrepreneur, we know that time is money, so let’s jump to the point.
1. How to prepare the microgreens for professional sale?🧐
1.1 Use Plastic Boxes
Ecology, ecology- we know that plastic is maybe not the most ecological material microgreens to packed in, but if your greens need to be transported further than to your plate, they need to be protected.
One of the keys to presenting microgreens professionally is to use plastic boxes. Your client may see👀 what is inside, and microgreens can advertise themselves.
Boxes come in various sizes and are perfect for storing and transporting🚛 your microgreens. Sizes depend for whom you are packing the microgreens. If the final user will be a restaurant, the boxes need to be bigger, if the final user is the consumer smaller and nicely branded boxes🎁 will be much more adequate.
PRO TIP: ask your client what is well seen, sometimes grocery shops will want to brand the boxes by their logo, or have some demands about what information should be on the label.
But we are farmers👨🏻🌾, not marketers, so we are just pointing to the above issue to be considered.
Plastic boxes are lightweight, easy to clean, easy to use and as above they provide a clear view of your product. We recommend using it with the accompaniment of moisture absorbing mats on the bottom of each box, which will keep too much water inside.
IMPORTANT: If you are using plastic covers in no matter which shape try to find compostable, and reusable, and the most ecologic plastic that is possible.
1.2 Plastic Bags
You may use the plastic bags as well, but they need to be filled with air. They are cheaper than plastic boxes.
1.3 Transport in Paper Boxes 📦
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While plastic boxes are great for storing and displaying your microgreens, it's important to transport them in paper boxes. This protects your microgreens during transport and prevents them from being damaged. Plus, it gives an added layer of professionalism to your presentation. You may brand your boxes with stickers, label or print.
Which transport boxes to choose? As usual, it depends on your budget and needs, but we designed and created boxes which we think are perfect for microgreeners🙌. For sure, they perfectly fit the trays which are available in our shop online.
You may check:
- TransportBOX Big: Size 39×30 cm x height 14 cm measured inside
- TransportBOX: Size 20.5×29.5 cm x height 14 cm measured inside
Order just a few, and make the test if they are meeting your and what is more important your client needs.
1.4 Harvest with Scissors or Sharp Knife ✂️
When it's time to harvest your microgreens, always use scissors or a very sharp knife—never a dull blade. Clean cuts matter more than you might think. If the stems are crushed instead of sliced, the ends will darken and spoil faster. It's just like trimming cut flowers for a vase: if the ends are not cleanly cut, they won’t last long.
A straight, sharp cut helps microgreens retain moisture and freshness longer, which is crucial if you’re figuring out how to pack microgreens for sale or how to ship microgreens to clients further away.
💡 Pro Tip: After your first harvest, take a look at the stem ends. Clean cuts will stay pale and firm; crushed ends will darken and turn mushy within a day.
1.5 Be Careful When Using a Knife – Safety First
If you prefer using a knife, be extra cautious. A sharp knife not only protects the delicate microgreens but also protects your hands. We’ve learned the hard way 😬. Use a smooth slicing motion rather than chopping. You can even hold the tray at a slight angle and cut directly into the plastic box—saves time and keeps the harvest tidy.
Correct harvesting is a small but essential part of what is microgreen farming. When done right, it helps maintain product quality all the way through transport and even longer if stored properly. Remember, poor harvesting can shorten shelf life and increase waste—especially if you're planning to ship microgreens or sell them to restaurants or stores.
And no—you can’t freeze microgreens to solve this. Damaged, mushy ends won’t get better in the freezer. Handle them right from the start!
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1.6 Don't water the Microgreens 12 Hours Before Harvesting
It's important not to water your microgreens more or less about 12 hours before harvesting⏱. This can cause the stems to become wet and weak, reducing the quality of your product. Instead, water them from the bottom to keep the stems dry.
1.7 Don't Water Microgreens from Above🐳
Generally microgreens do not like to be watering from above, so do not do it. This can damage the leaves and cause mold growth. Instead, use a tray with water at the bottom and let the microgreens absorb the water through the soil.
1.8 Refrigerate Microgreens in Plastic Boxes❄️
If your microgreens have become a little bit wet, here is the extra trick. Put them in the fridge in OPEN plastic boxes for some time. This will dry them out and make them colder, which is perfect for your clients. Boxes need to be open for this process otherwise it may take too long.
However, be careful not to leave them in the fridge for too long🥶, as they can become dry and loose volume.
1.9 Can you freeze microgreens?
There is no clear answer for that, because technically you can freeze them, an add them to the soup or smoothie. But freezing microgreens destroying their structure, so they will be not useful for salads, or as a garnish. It is the same as for example freezing chives or dill. It depends from your expectations.
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2. Best Practices for Maintaining Freshness During Delivery
Maintaining freshness is one of the biggest challenges in microgreen logistics. Whether you’re delivering to local restaurants or shipping nationwide, following a few key practices can make all the difference.
2.1 How to Transport Microgreens Without Losing Quality
When thinking about how to transport microgreens, temperature and ventilation are key. Use insulated delivery bags or coolers with reusable ice packs to maintain a steady, cool temperature—ideally between 2–7°C (35–45°F). Avoid stacking boxes too tightly; airflow matters more than you'd think!
For local deliveries, try to plan routes early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat. If your microgreens are being shipped further, consider overnight or 24-hour courier options with refrigeration.
2.2 Using Moisture Control to Extend Shelf Life
One trick to maintaining freshness is to control excess moisture. Even small droplets can lead to wilting or mold. That’s why we always recommend adding moisture-absorbing mats to plastic boxes—especially during summer deliveries. This is an underrated step in how to pack microgreens for sale that can significantly extend their shelf life.
2.3 How to Ship Microgreens Long Distance
Wondering how to ship microgreens across the country without losing quality? Choose the right box! Corrugated cardboard boxes with breathable vents are a good option. Line them with insulation if needed, and never overfill. Use compostable plastic or eco-cling film only if microgreens are totally dry—otherwise, you'll trap moisture.
Label your boxes clearly with “Perishable – Keep Cool” and request gentle handling from your courier service.
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3. Understanding Client Needs: Restaurants vs. Retail
Not all microgreen buyers are the same. Knowing whether you’re supplying restaurants or retail makes a huge difference in what is microgreen farming from a business perspective.
3.1 Restaurants Prefer Bigger Boxes, Less Branding
When supplying restaurants, efficiency is everything. Chefs often prefer larger plastic boxes that fit standard kitchen fridges. Branding isn't usually necessary, but labeling the variety and harvest date is appreciated.
Bulk orders mean less packaging per gram of product—great for saving time and materials. Just make sure you deliver early in the day, when kitchens prep for lunch service. That’s how you build trust in the professional food world.
3.2 Retail Buyers Look for Shelf Appeal
Selling to health food shops, groceries, or markets? Then it’s time to upgrade your presentation. Smaller branded boxes, biodegradable sleeves, and attractive labeling all add value. In this case, how to pack microgreens for sale becomes part of your marketing strategy.
Consumers love transparency—so opt for clear packaging that shows off your fresh product. Add usage tips on the label (like “perfect on avocado toast 🥑”) to encourage repeat purchases.
3.3 Adapting Delivery Style to Customer Expectations
Your method of how to transport microgreens should align with the client's storage setup. Restaurants may be fine with minimal cooling during local drop-offs, while retail clients usually need pre-chilled, shelf-ready goods.
Get to know your customer’s preferences. Some retailers might require specific labeling or compliance details—especially when you're expanding to larger distributors or exporting. Open communication helps avoid costly mistakes.
4. Summary of the preparing microgreens for sale
In summary, preparing microgreens for professional sale requires careful attention to detail. Use plastic boxes for storage and transport, harvest with scissors or a sharp knife, avoid soaking and watering from above, and put them in the fridge in plastic boxes before thensport if needed.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to present your microgreens in a professional and attractive way, and delight your customers how they love it: with their freshness and quality.
Happy selling!
Your growing homie,
👩🏽🌾Caroline