🌱 First Time? How to Store and Wash Your Microgreens

I recently received an email from a sweet new customer who asked me how to store and wash her new microgreens. This made me think that maybe we need to have a chat about best practices in this department. So, it's time to go on the record.

Joel and I here at Farmer’s Microgreens want you to get the most out of your soil-grown greens! Whether you're topping off a sandwich, stirring them into a smoothie, or making them the star of your salad, your nutrient-dense greens deserve a little extra care to stay fresh and vibrant. Here's how to keep your greens at their best from fridge to fork.

🧊 How to Store Microgreens

Proper storage is the secret to long-lasting microgreens. Follow these simple steps:

✅ Keep Them Dry

Moisture is the enemy of longevity. If your microgreens are slightly damp, gently pat them dry with a clean paper towel before storing.

✅ Use a Breathable Container

Store them in the clamshell container they come in, vented produce bag, or a container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid airtight containers unless they’re designed to regulate humidity.

✅ Refrigerate Immediately

Place your greens on the shelf above your vegetable crisper drawer in your refrigerator. Keep them away from the walls where the air flow is colder. Aim for a temperature of around 35–40°F (1–4°C). This keeps them crisp without freezing them. Frozen microgreens will look wilted and mushy (for lack of a better word.)

✅ Don’t Crowd Them

Give them a little space in their container. Overcrowding can lead to bruising and moisture buildup, which leads to spoilage.

💧 How to Wash Microgreens

Our microgreens are grown with out pesticides or fertilizer, close to the soil and handled minimally to preserve their nutrients, so a gentle wash goes a long way.

1. Rinse Right Before Use

Don’t wash your entire batch right after purchase! Just wash what you plan to eat in the moment. This helps them stay fresher longer.

2. Use Cool Water

Fill a bowl with cool water and gently swish the microgreens around to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Lift, Don’t Pour

Instead of dumping them into a strainer (which can bruise them), lift the greens out of the water with a small fine mesh strainer and carefully place them on a clean paper towel.

4. Dry Gently

Let them air dry or I love to use our salad spinner, lined with a paper towel, to spin gently. Avoid using high pressure or heat as this will bruise them.

💡 Bonus Tips

Avoid washing microgreens under a direct faucet stream. It would be like us taking a shower under a fire hose. It's just too rough.

Keep washed microgreens on a dry paper towel in a loosely covered container if you must store them after washing (but eat them soon!)

Most microgreens will stay fresh for up two weeks when stored properly. Pea shoots and sunflower greens tend to last a bit longer, while more delicate varieties like Sweet Onion and Basil may need to be used sooner.

If you notice your microgreens are starting to wilt, make Pesto! Check out our related posts below for simple recipes to make and use your pesto! It's a great way to use and store your microgreens into the future.

❓️ Why This Matters

Storing and washing microgreens properly helps preserve their amazing flavor, texture, and powerful nutrients like vitamins C, E, and K, and antioxidants. By treating your greens with thoughtful care, you’re protecting all the work that goes into growing them, from seed to soil to harvest.

At Farmer’s Microgreens, we grow everything in nutrient rich soil, using filtered water and natural methods to deliver greens that are as clean and nutrient-packed as possible. We harvest them fresh for you, all you need to do is provide a little care at home to reap all the yummy benefits!