Harvesting microgreens: the most exciting part of the process

During this green adventure, we have already talked about how to plant, water, and prevent mold. Today we dive into what, for us, is the most exciting part of the process: harvesting. This stage is probably the most important, since how we carry it out will greatly influence the flavor, texture, appearance, and, of course, the food safety of our microgreens.

For our research, we used as reference a very interesting article published on FreshPlaza, which analyzes how microgreen harvesting has evolved thanks to new technologies such as the ZTI-Van der Plas automatic cutter. Although in our case we still harvest manually with scissors, we are excited to see that there are more efficient tools that reduce manual labor and improve productivity.

When to harvest?

• Optimal timing: Most microgreens are harvested when they have developed their first set of true leaves or just after the cotyledons have fully unfolded.
On our website you can find specific articles about each species and its ideal harvest time, but generally it happens between 7 and 14 days after sowing.

• Warning signs: If the shoots grow too tall, larger leaves appear, or the substrate becomes excessively wet, it’s best to harvest as soon as possible to avoid them becoming fibrous or moldy.

How to cut the microgreens

• Tools: Use sharp scissors or clean knives, avoiding crushing the stems. Remember to disinfect your tools before use: hygiene is key to ensuring food safety.

• Cutting height: Cut just above the substrate level, leaving 2 to 3 mm of stem. This prevents soil residues, reduces contamination risks, and improves the product’s presentation.

• Clean method: Work on sanitized surfaces and prepare clean trays or containers to place the harvested microgreens. In our case, we usually use tupperware to transport or refrigerate them.

Post – harvest storage

• Quick cooling: If you are not going to consume them immediately, refrigerate them as soon as possible to maintain their freshness and texture.

• Hygiene: Always handle with clean hands or gloves, avoid excess moisture, and store the shoots in ventilated containers or suitable bags.

• Consumption: Ideally, consume them within a few days, as they quickly lose quality.

Innovation: The ZTI-Van der Plas automatic cutter

The FreshPlaza article highlights the benefits of this new specialized machine, developed by ZTI in collaboration with Van der Plas Sprouts:

• Uniformity: It allows all shoots to be cut at the same length, something difficult to achieve manually.

• Reduced manual work: Harvesting is no longer a heavy and monotonous task, freeing labor for other activities.

• Higher productivity: With this cutter, Van der Plas Sprouts went from processing 4 shelves per hour with two people to 5 shelves per hour, increasing efficiency.

• Savings and sustainability: The investment pays off thanks to fewer errors, less waste, and faster processing.

How to apply these principles if you grow on a small scale

Although investing in automatic machinery may not be feasible if you grow microgreens at home or in small production, you can be inspired by these principles:

• Practice uniform cuts: Use a ruler or visual guide to maintain the same cutting height.

• Minimize handling: The less you touch the shoots, the better they will retain their quality.

• Organize your workflow: Prepare everything in advance — clean trays, disinfected tools, and an organized workspace — to make harvesting faster and easier.

Conclusion

Harvesting microgreens may seem like the simplest step in growing them, but doing it correctly makes all the difference. Harvesting at the right time, with clean tools, and with a precise cut just above the substrate ensures better flavor, appearance, and safety.

The arrival of technologies like the ZTI-Van der Plas automatic cutter is great news for the industry, as it provides uniformity, efficiency, and reduces manual effort. But even on a small scale, applying good practices can take your microgreens to the next level.

Until the next article, friends, and happy harvesting! 

Carlota

Source

FreshPlaza. (2023). Innovations in Microgreen Harvesting: ZTI-Van der Plas Automatic Cutter Improves Efficiency. Retrieved from https://www.freshplaza.com/