Page 14 - nai udaan december

Vegetables that can be cultivated as Micro and hands-on practice holds immense significance in
Greens enhancing our daily lives. Understanding the
Various vegetable species are commonly cultivated as cultivation, harvesting, and utilization of microgreens
microgreens, including beet, Swiss chard, spinach, empowers individuals to incorporate these nutrient-rich
amaranth, lettuce, carrot, celery, fennel, onion, and greens into their diets, promoting health and well-being.
cucumber. Microgreens are also generated by By fostering awareness and practical skills, we encourage
sprouting cereals such as barley, oat, wheat, corn, and a sustainable and accessible source of fresh, home-grown
pseudo-cereals like quinoa. Legumes like pea, bean, produce, contributing to healthier eating habits and a
lentil, clover, chickpea, and fenugreek, as well as fiber more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
species like sunflower and flax, are included in the
production of microgreens. Health and well being benefits of Micro Greens
Introducing microgreens into children's diets can bring
Interestingly microgreens are produced also using the several health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients
seeds of aromatic herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, chives, like vitamins A, C, and K, these tiny greens support the
and cumin, or using the seeds of some wild edible species growth and development of young bodies. The antioxi-
such as borage (Borago officinalis L.), wild chicory dants in microgreens strengthen the immune system,
(Cichorium intybus L.), common dandelion (Taraxacum helping children stay healthy. Additionally, the dietary
officinale Weber), sea asparagus (Salicornia patula fiber in these greens aids in digestion, preventing issues
Duval-Jouve), etc. like constipation. With their vibrant flavors, micro-
greens make nutritious foods more appealing to
All these species characterized by different shape, color, children, fostering early habits of healthy eating. This
and taste are an expression of our rich agrobiodiversity sets the stage for lifelong well-being, optimal growth,
and largely vary for their content of minerals and phyto- and cognitive development.
nutrients. The inclusion of a mix of these species in the Microgreens – A Micro snacks in the moni break
diet in the form of microgreens may provide a variety of in DoE, Delhi School
colors and nutrients for a weekly healthy diet as recom- The Directorate of Education (DOE), guided by its vision
mended by the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Amer- of fostering a responsible, dynamic, and progressive
icans. education model, has taken significant strides in
What species are not suitable to grow as micro- integrating microgreens into their schools. To realize
greens? this initiative, 30 master trainers have been meticulous-
Some common vegetable crops like tomato, pepper, ly trained to oversee the implementation of microgreen
eggplant, and potato are not edible at the seedling stage projects across the extensive network of 1050 schools.
and are not suitable to produce microgreens because they The aim is to cultivate microgreens within the school
contain alkaloids which at high levels are toxic for premises, ensuring their availability to students during
humans. If using wild species, it is very important to their mini snack breaks. Spearheading this transforma-
recognize the plants from which seeds are collected tive endeavor are Mr. B.P. Pandey (OSD, School Branch)
because many spontaneous species contain toxic and mentors Priyanka Sehrawat, Sunita Chauhan, and
compounds while they may look like edible plants. Vikas Drall, who are set to lead the way in bringing this
Therefore, if you are not a plant expert refrain from innovative and health-conscious project to fruition in
using wild plants to produce micro- DOE schools in the near future. This
greens. Also, you should exclude initiative not only promotes
any species for which you may Karamjeet Singh nutritional awareness but also
have an allergic reaction. Lecturer English aligns with the broader vision of
Micro green Awareness Govt. Co-ed Sarvodaya progressive education within
Vidyalaya
Initiating microgreen awareness Rampura the Directorate.

12 xÉ<Ç =cÉxÉ fnlacj -2023