EVEC Microgreens
Hello friends!
During this journey we’ve talked to you about microgreens such as lettuce, radish, broccoli, sunflower, and many others… But in today’s article we wanted to explore more exotic species that stand out for their unique flavors and culinary uses. So today we’ll be talking about varieties like shiso, mizuna, and tatsoi.
Ready to get to know them? Let’s go!
Red shiso is a highly popular microgreen in Asian cuisine thanks to its citrusy, floral, and slightly minty aroma. Its use has spread internationally due to its versatility in salads, bowls, sushi, and gourmet dishes. In addition, this microgreen contains antioxidant phytocompounds.
Among the Asian microgreens with a long history, mizuna and tatsoi also stand out. Both are valued for their mild, slightly peppery flavor, as well as for their high micronutrient content. In specialized rankings they appear as some of the most popular seeds for both home and commercial cultivation, reflecting their growing demand.
There are also yield data and mineral profiles showing that they provide essential minerals, antioxidants, and compounds that help improve overall nutrition when included in a daily diet.
Beyond each specific species, various studies, which we’ve mentioned many times, have shown that microgreens concentrate vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals, and antioxidant compounds in quantities higher than their mature versions.
These exotic microgreens follow that same pattern: high nutritional density per unit of weight.
Exotic microgreens are rapidly entering the world of high end international cuisine, both for their flavor and presentation. Their uses range from sophisticated dressings, creative plate garnishes, and aromatic toppings to functional components for bowls, fusion salads, sandwiches, and gourmet cooking.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup sushi rice
• 150 g fresh salmon
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey or rice syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, cubed
• Sesame seeds
• A handful of red shiso microgreens
Preparation:
A fresh, elegant bowl where shiso is the star.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup tatsoi microgreens
• 1 green apple, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion
• A handful of walnuts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of ½ lime
• ½ tsp honey
• Salt and pepper
Preparation:
Tatsoi brings a fresh, mild, and slightly sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the apple and lime.
Ingredients:
• 200 g tofu
• 1 cup mizuna microgreens
• 1 carrot, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds
Preparation:
Perfect as a light main dish or a side.
As you can see, exotic microgreens like shiso, mizuna, and tatsoi offer interesting and functional alternatives for those who seek not only to decorate their dishes but also to enhance sensory diversity and culinary creativity.
Their growing presence in modern cuisine and in trendy restaurants in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities consolidates their position as “new generation microgreens”: exotic and visually striking.
Carlota
Sources
About Microgreens. (2025, November 7). Microgreens and Nutrition: Tiny Greens, Big Benefits. https://www.aboutmicrogreens.com/microgreens-and-nutrition-tiny-greens-big-benefits/
Di Gioia, F. (2023). Yield performance, mineral profile, and nitrate content in a selection of seventeen microgreen species. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399459/
Idaho State University. Nutritional Profile of a few types of Microgreens. https://www.isu.edu/media/libraries/rural-health/microgreens/Microgreen-Nutritional-Profile.pdf
La Torre Agrícola. (2022, January 10). ¿Cuáles son las semillas más populares para cultivar los microgreens (microplantas / microverdes)? https://www.latorreagricola.com/es/2022/01/10/cuales-son-las-semillas-mas-populares-para-cultivar-los-microgreens-microplantas-microverdes/
Verdes Zagros. Microgreen de Shiso Red. https://verdeszagros.es/tienda/microgreens/microgreen-de-shiso-red/
