How to Make Chia Microgreens
Learn how to make chia microgreens without soil using paper towels and water. This easy indoor growing method gives you fresh greens in about 8–12 days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Arrange 3-5 layers of paper towels in a small shallow container and sprinkle the chia seeds over them.
- Moisten with a few sprays of water.
- Cover it partially with a lid and place in a cool, dark area for 2 days. Mist occasionally.Cover loosely with a lid, leaving an air gap. Keep out of direct sunlight for the first couple of days, checking daily and misting as needed to keep the paper damp.
- Once tiny green sprouts start to appear, remove the lid and place the container in an area with indirect sunlight.
- Continue to mist twice a day for 2 more days.Check morning and evening and mist only as needed. Keep the paper damp, not waterlogged, and continue growing until the leaves have opened and the stems are upright.
- Once the sprouts appear 2-3 inches tall, remove the paper towels from the container.When the greens are ready, gently lift the paper mat from the container if needed for harvesting. Chia microgreens often take around 8–12 days; timing depends on growing conditions.
- Gently peel away the bunched paper towels or snip off the bottom ends off the chia seed sprouts and use.Snip the stems above the paper and root mat with clean scissors. Leave the roots and paper behind. Rinse the harvested greens under cool running water, dry gently, and use.
Notes
- Use untreated chia seeds intended for edible sprouting or growing microgreens. Both black and white chia seeds work well for this method.
- Avoid soaking the chia seeds before planting, as they form a gel-like coating when wet and can become difficult to spread evenly.
- Spread the seeds in a thin, even layer over the paper towels without overcrowding them to allow proper airflow and healthy growth.
- Keep the paper towels consistently damp but not soaking wet. Too much moisture can encourage mold growth and cause the seeds to rot.
- Cover the container loosely during the first couple of days, leaving a small gap for airflow instead of sealing it completely.
- Once the seeds begin to sprout, move the container to a spot with bright, indirect sunlight to encourage healthy green leaves.
- Check the microgreens morning and evening, misting only when needed to prevent the paper towels from drying out.
- Chia microgreens generally take around 8–12 days to reach the harvesting stage, depending on the temperature, lighting, and growing conditions.
- Harvest the microgreens with clean scissors by snipping the stems just above the paper towels, leaving the roots and growing medium behind.
- Discard the entire batch if you notice mold, slime, or an unpleasant smell.
- Use freshly harvested chia microgreens in sandwiches, salads, avocado toast, grain bowls, or as a garnish for soups.
- Store any leftover microgreens in a clean, paper towel-lined container in the refrigerator and use within a few days for the best freshn
Nutrition
Calories: 15kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 0.5mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.2mg
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