Microgreens, small edible forms of vegetables and herbs, have become increasingly popular with consumers looking to add healthy greens into their diets. Growers must ensure these delicate plants reach customers in perfect condition – this requires considering multiple considerations such as packaging size and style requirements, shipping requirements, sustainability factors and customer base needs when selecting an optimal packaging type for microgreens businesses.
Growing microgreens requires sowing seeds at high density in enclosed containers while maintaining very low light levels, then regularly rinsing and soaking to eliminate pathogens that might lead to food-borne illness. A popular method for sowing seed is through sprouting trays – plastic-lined enclosures designed to maintain ideal conditions for seed germination; these trays may even be sterilized to reduce any risk of contamination.
Microgreens are not only delicious, they’re packed full of essential nutrients. Of particular note is vitamin C – one of which is often difficult to find through diet alone and severe deficiencies can result in scurvy. Studies have demonstrated how biofortification increases vitamin C content of food products including microgreens.
Consuming these plants also offers health advantages due to their rich b-vitamin content, particularly beta-carotene which acts as a precursor of vitamin A and can protect against diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As well as increasing immunity and fighting free radicals it also acts as an antioxidant neutralizer while increasing natural killer cell production within your body.
As with any business, microgreens labels must abide by local and state regulations regarding the sale of fresh produce. For instance, many cities require vendors to obtain a mobile food vendor license before selling produce on public streets, while states may impose specific packaging and size regulations in order to ship produce across state lines.
Some states have regulations in place regarding the use of pesticides on microgreen crops. When this is the case, it is crucial to follow manufacturer’s instructions and harvest times so as not to violate any regulations. Furthermore, organically-grown microgreens must be certified so as to qualify as such when sold with this label.
Wholesale microgreens must be packed in sturdy and insulated boxes suitable for overnight shipping to ensure their arrival undamaged. While vacuum-sealed bags and plastic trays with lids may work, plastic trays with lids are the most practical method, allowing repeated uses while providing ample space for microgreens to grow and labeling easily. Furthermore, their robust construction withstands rough handling during transport while being stackable for convenient storage purposes.