Microgreens — if you haven’t heard of them, probably the word brings to mind eco-friendly health fads, raw vegan diets, and claims of superfood status. The truth is, these little guys have been making a serious come back for a while now, and are used in the kitchen of high end restaurants in order to deliver big flavor in little packages. Although these little guys have been around for 20-30 years, many people are unfamiliar with the term. Check out this introduction so you can learn the truth about these amazing little greens.

What Are Micogreens/
Typically, petite micro greens are lettuces, herbs and greens that are harvested at a younger age than typically picked. Edible flowers are included in this group and are often used in tandem with other microgreens to produce a dashing aesthetic look and a floral palette. Micorgreens are typically grown in soil substitutes, or with technology like hydroponics.

How Can I Use Them?
For one, you can use both microgreens and edible flowers are toppings on classic dishes like pizza, which often lacks the fresh flavors of herbs and greens. They can be used as a garnish on any number of dishes, adding a burst of color and flavor that can bring any dish from bland to great.

Don’t discount their use for simple, nutritious salads, either. their delicate flavor makes for a truly amazing salad. Edible flowers thrown into a bowl of greens turn summer lunch into a beautiful photo op — don’t forget to post it on the Flickr group called “I Ate This,” which includes more than 300,000 photos contributed by more than 19,000 members.

If you plan to use microgreens in a dish, don’t forget that they should be stored at an optimal temperature of around 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent any wilting.

Don’t underestimate the uses for microgreens and edible flowers as ways to adorn desserts and entrees. Edible flowers make for beautiful cakes, and toppings for sweet cupcakes. Pair them with sugar flowers and petite micro greens for a lovely birthday celebration.