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EVEC Microgreens
Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Microbial Safety of Microgreens Grown in Insect Frass and Vermicompost-Based Growing Substrates
Microgreens have gained increasing popularity due to their cooking versatility, ease of cultivation, and high nutritional value. The use of alternative org
Giuseppe Di Cuia, Massimiliano D’Imperio, Federico Baruzzi, Alessia Marzulli, Francesco Gai, Angelo Parente
Agronomy · 2026 · https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020158
Abstract
Microgreens have gained increasing popularity due to their cooking versatility, ease of cultivation, and high nutritional value. The use of alternative organic substrates, such as vermicompost and insect frass, offers a promising alternative to peat. This study has evaluated the integration of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens frass, along with vermicompost, in a microgreen production, while assaying several concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as replacements by weight. After a preliminary assay aimed at determining the optimal frass and vermicompost levels, we assessed the agronomic, nutritional, and microbiological performances of microgreens. The preliminary results revealed phytotoxic effects of T. molitor frass, while the addition of H. illucens frass or vermicompost did not significantly impact microgreen production. In the second experiment, the interaction between plant species and substrate composition significantly influenced the leaf area, plant height, and mineral content. Partial replacement of peat with H. illucens frass or vermicompost enhanced leaf area and plant height, with a notable increase in iron content in the mizuna microgreens grown with H. illucens frass, compared to the control with peat. Additionally, microbiological safety was ensured, and a complete absence of Salmonella spp. and E. coli was observed in the plants, in accordance with European food safety regulations.
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How to credit this work
Giuseppe Di Cuia; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Federico Baruzzi; Alessia Marzulli; Francesco Gai; Angelo Parente (2026). Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Microbial Safety of Microgreens Grown in Insect Frass and Vermicompost-Based Growing Substrates. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020158 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Exotic microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: International sanitary guidelines for the planting and distribution of microgreens and sprouts
- Related reading: Solanaceae lectins and alkaloids the compounds that make some microgreens toxic
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