Brian Ciuchta is one of Local 4349's most fit employees.  In an attempt to meet his nutritional needs for the ultra marathons he competes in, he has been experimenting with growing Microgreens.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture “microgreens” is a marketing term referring to tiny, edible greens grown from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. They’re smaller than baby greens and bigger than sprouts. Microgreens germinate in soil or soil substitute, require sunlight for growth and are harvested when they’re 7 to 14 days old and one to three inches tall. Their flavor is much more intense than that of mature greens. You can add them to salads or use them to garnish soups and sandwiches.  So is Brian on to something or is this just an unsubstantiated health claim?  Actually, microgreens do appear to have a significant nutritional advantage. A study from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that, at equal weights, almost all of the tiny greens contained about five times more nutrients than found in the mature leaves of the same plants.  Buying and using your microgreens can sometimes be difficult.  Commercially produced varieties found in your local store are stored in plastic containers that do not allow for extended shelf life.  The best way to buy your greens is either alive or freshly cut.  Well, visitors to the Fairbanks Ranch Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings are in luck.  Our very own Local 4349's "microgreen expert" is on hand selling his nutritional gold.  So head on down this Sunday, look for the High Ranch Farm booth, and get a taste of this new healthy trend!