Preparing Microgreens for Professional Sale🛒: Tips and Tricks for Small Business Owners

Attention growers! Professionals and those who take their microgreen 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 microgreens for storage, which includes professional sale. We will touch below topics:

trays and boxing
watering
harvesting
storage

As a growers and entrepreneur we know that time is money so let’s jump to the point.

How to prepare the microgreens for professional sale?🧐

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 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.

Plastic Bags

You may use the plastic bags as well, but they need to be filled with air. They are cheaper than plastic boxes.

Transport in Paper Boxes 📦

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:

Order just a few, and make the test if they are meeting your and what is more important your client needs.

TransportBOX Big⬇️

Harvest with Scissors or Sharp Knife

When it's time to harvest your microgreens, make sure to use scissors or a very sharp knife. Cutting them with dull tools can smash/damage the stems and we do not want that. You will see what I am talking about after first cutting . While cutting with scissors, make sure to cut one by one in small parts to avoid destroying the stems.

Be Careful When Using a Knife- safety first

If you decide to use a knife, be extra careful. You don't want to accidentally cut yourself or damage the stems. We have been there, done that 😬. Make sure the knife is sharp, and use a slicing motion to cut the microgreens cleanly. You can put the trays upright and cut directly to the plastic boxes.

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.

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.

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.

Can microgreens be frozen?

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.

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