Broccoli Microgreens

10–12

Days Seed to Harvest

Mild

Flavor Profile

A+

Chef Suitability Rating

About This Variety

Broccoli microgreens are the most scientifically validated microgreen in commercial production. Landmark research from Johns Hopkins University (1997) and subsequent USDA studies confirmed that broccoli sprouts and microgreens contain 10–100× more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. This compound drives a premium market positioning that no other microgreen can match from a functional nutrition standpoint. Flavor is mild, slightly brassica-forward, and universally accepted.

Flavor

Mild, slightly grassy brassica flavor — green and clean with minimal bitterness

Best For

Smoothies, sushi, salad base, grain bowls, egg dishes, sandwiches

Shelf Life

7–10 days post-harvest at 34–38°F

Texture

Tender, fine stems with small, waxy round cotyledons — delicate mouthfeel

Plant Biology

The Botany of Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Broccoli microgreens germinate reliably within 2–3 days and develop a dense, uniform canopy that is unmatched by most varieties. The cotyledons are round to kidney-shaped, a vivid medium-green, and slightly waxy. Glucoraphanin — the precursor to sulforaphane — is concentrated in the seed and transferred to the cotyledon tissue during germination, with peak levels occurring around days 5–7 post-germination.

Taxonomy

Family	Brassicaceae
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. italica
Common Names	Broccoli, Brassica shoots
Stage Harvested	Cotyledon / First leaf

Nutritional Profile

Why Chefs & Nutritionists Love It

Broccoli microgreens are the most researched microgreen for functional nutrition. Their sulforaphane concentration is the single highest in the plant kingdom relative to fresh weight.

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Sulforaphane

Broccoli microgreens contain 10–100× more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Sulforaphane activates Nrf2 — a master regulator of cellular antioxidant defense.

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Glucosinolates

Dense in glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin — precursors to powerful anti-inflammatory isothiocyanates activated upon cell disruption (chewing).

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Vitamins K, C & E

High levels of fat-soluble Vitamin K alongside water-soluble C and the antioxidant Vitamin E — a rare triple-vitamin density in a single food.

Culinary Applications

On the Plate

Broccoli microgreens are the most versatile and universally accepted variety. Their mild flavor allows them to function as a nutritional foundation on any plate without dominating the flavor profile.

01

Smoothies & Cold-Pressed Juice

The mildest brassica microgreen — blends seamlessly into green smoothies delivering sulforaphane without the bitterness of kale or spinach.

02

Salad Base Component

Dense and substantial enough to serve as a minor leafy base in premium composed salads, especially alongside aged cheese and citrus.

03

Sushi Roll Filling

Packed inside maki rolls or temaki cones as a nutritional and textural interior component — pairs with avocado and cream cheese.

04

Grain Bowl Topping

Scattered over poke bowls, buddha bowls, and grain dishes as a fresh topping that adds visual density and nutrition.

Production Data

Growing Specifications

Crop Data

Seed type	Broccoli (waltham or calabrese)
Soaking time	4–6 hours (optional)
Blackout duration	3–4 days
Light phase	6–8 days
Harvest height	1.5–2.5 inches
Seed density	1 oz per 10×20 tray
Yield per tray	5–8 oz fresh weight
Shelf life	7–10 days refrigerated

Wholesale Packaging

Clamshell (retail)	2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz
Bulk vacuum bag	1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
Living tray	10"×20" uncut
Custom label	Available on request
Min. weekly order	5 lbs

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