Microgreens are easy to grow at home, making them a sustainable, affordable, and flavorful way to boost nutrition in everyday meals.

While microgreens aren't a new food phenomenon, they've skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. These tiny greens are trendy in both the culinary and wellness worlds, where you'll often find them sprinkled onto , , and even . But aside from looking pretty, what's so great about these little greens -- and what are they? We've spoken with registered dietitians to explore the differences between microgreens and regular greens, highlight the impressive nutritional benefits of microgreens, and share ways to enjoy them at home.

As you might imagine, microgreens are simply smaller, younger versions of the greens and vegetables you're likely already familiar with. "Microgreens are that are harvested in a premature state -- before they begin to develop into or start to produce the crops we know," explains plant-forward dietitian Parker Lane, MS, RDN.

And because of their premature nature, these veggies can be harvested pretty soon after planting. "They are typically harvested within two to three weeks from germination when the first true leaves appear," shares registered dietitian Stacey Woodson, MS, RD, LDN. That said, microgreens are also not to be confused with sprouts.

"Unlike sprouts, you eat only the leaves and stems of microgreens, not the roots," says registered dietitian Ilyse Schapiro, MS, RDN. This also means that they're pretty short in stature. "They're about one to three inches tall and bursting with flavor. Common types include broccoli, kale, radish, arugula, and basil." You'll also find bean, beet, and even sunflower microgreens. Depending on the type, the flavor of these greens can range from mild to sweet, nutty, spicy, and even earthy.

These mini greens aren't just popular because they're cute and flavorful -- they're also packed with nutrition. "While mature vegetables distribute nutrients throughout larger plant structures, microgreens concentrate all their nutritional power into the tender first leaves, which are harvested at their nutritional peak," Woodson says. "Research reveals that microgreens contain four to 40 times higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants compared to their mature counterparts, including vitamins C, E, K, and beta-carotene." You'll also find concentrated amounts of lutein (a phytonutrient), and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and potassium in many of these greens.

"This means more nutritional bang for your bite -- a small handful can provide vitamin density that might require several cups of mature greens," Woodson says. Effectively, whatever nutrients (and thus health benefits) are associated with a given green or veggie, its microgreen is going to be even more impressive in both regards. The only exception here is fiber -- mature greens and veggies often offer more of the complex carbohydrate.

With this in mind, here are some health benefits you can expect microgreens to deliver, though these may vary slightly depending on the variety.

Beyond nutrition and taste, another major difference between microgreens and regular greens is how you obtain them. While some grocery stores sell packs of microgreens, many supermarkets nationwide do not, making them less accessible than their full-sized counterparts. If you can't find them at your local grocer, you may score these tiny greens at your local farmer's market or farm stand.

However, you can very easily grow microgreens at home -- and quickly, too! This is why they're gaining increasing attention as a sustainable food option. " yourself can be simpler, more affordable, and help you eat more vegetables," Lane says. "They also require very little space and are ready in weeks, whereas you are waiting weeks to months for mature greens."

All you need is soil, starter trays, a grow light -- if not grown outside in a warm, sunny environment -- and seeds. In just a few weeks, you'll have plenty of fresh microgreens -- at roughly the same cost as a few heads of organic lettuce.

That said, it's important to take a few additional precautions when shopping for and storing microgreens at home. "Similar to sprouts, microgreens have been linked to Salmonella and Listeria recalls in the United States and Canada," Woodson says. "Vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly should be cautious about consuming raw microgreens." Lane agrees, adding that "generally, store-bought microgreens are safe to consume," she says. "However, with dense, warm, and humid growing conditions, you're not only creating excellent conditions for the plant to grow, but also bacteria."

Thankfully, there are some ways to mitigate any associated with microgreens. "Buy from a trusted source, store in the fridge, and rinse before eating," Schapiro says. Eating within a few days of purchase is also a smart move. "If you grow them at home, use clean containers and fresh soil."

Once you have fresh, high-quality microgreens at home, the culinary possibilities are nearly endless. "These nutrient-dense little leaves are perfect flavor boosters for everyday meals," Woodson says. "Because they're flavorful and visually appealing, they can encourage people (including picky eaters) to eat more vegetables overall," Schapiro adds.

They're perfect as a garnish or decorative touch in a variety of savory dishes -- as well as a key ingredient in many recipes. "For example, they offer a light crunch to sandwiches, a green pop of flavor when used as a garnish, or can be mixed into salads," Lane says. You can also blend them into smoothies or add them to grain bowls, soups, pastas, avocado toast, and .

The food-loving -- but health-conscious -- community has taken notice of microgreens, and for good reason. "Microgreens have recently become a culinary obsession of mine and are becoming more and more popular in restaurants and for the home cook alike," Lane says.

This is thanks to their delicious taste as well as robust nutrition -- especially compared to their mature counterparts. It's just an added bonus that these little veggies are also that can be grown easily, quickly, and inside, making them ideal for even the beginner home gardener.