October 25, 2021

At Peddler’s Son, we work with many businesses around the State of Arizona and have the pleasure of continuing to highlight our exceptional business partners. One of those partnerships is with Arizona Microgreens, a local producer of naturally grown microgreens. Read our spotlight below to learn more about what makes them a special part of the Peddler’s Son family.

With over 30 years of experience in delivering goods throughout Arizona, Peddler’s Son is a trusted wholesale produce delivery partner. Our goal is to build relationships, through excellent customer service and attention to detail, that help your business grow. We work closely with partners, like Arizona Microgreens, to deliver the right blend of quality produce and provisions at a value our customers expect. 

Arizona Microgreens

Arizona Microgreens, similar to our own business, is run by two brothers, Joseph Martinez and David Redwood. Their company produces microgreens for restaurants, schools, and individuals throughout Arizona. Since their founding in 2013, the brothers have been producing Microgreens without herbicides or pesticides, using just natural light and organic soil, and while leaving behind very little waste. They produce more than two dozen types of microgreens in their food-safe certified greenhouse located in Phoenix, Arizona including:

• Micro salad
• Radish mix
• Basil
• Cilantro
• Popcorn shoots
• Broccoli
• Arugula 
• And wheat grass 

What Are Microgreens?

In short, Microgreens are vegetables and herbs that are grown for just a few short weeks. Arizona Microgreens come in a variety of forms as they can be grown from different seeds, including melon, cabbage, basil, and sunflower. The main difference between a microgreen and other produce is the harvesting time. While many forms of produce are harvested when the plant is fully mature, microgreens are harvested when the first set of leaves appear on the sprouted plant. At this stage, the microgreens are packed with nutrients because they are much smaller, but contain all the essential vitamins the plant would need to reach maturity. 

Microgreens can often be confused with sprouts, but they are not the same. Microgreens are grown in soil and sunlight for two to three weeks before they are harvested by cutting the stem and leaf from the root. On the other hand, sprouts are vegetable seeds that are just beginning their growth process and are typically only a few days old. 

Health Benefits of Microgreens

There is a lot of research indicating significant health benefits to eating microgreens. In 2012, researchers found that in comparison to mature leaves, microgreen leaves contain higher nutritional densities. Broccoli, kale, and cabbage microgreens in particular have been known to contain large amounts of sulforaphane. Adding this chemical compound to your diet through microgreens could have major health benefits, as sulforaphane has been shown, in several controlled studies, to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Just one ounce of the Arizona Microgreens Wellness Mix (consisting of broccoli, cabbage, and kale microgreens) contains the same amount of sulforaphane found in 1.5 pounds of raw broccoli. 

How To Eat Arizona Microgreens

Adding them to the menu might sound intimidating to someone new to microgreens, but they require very little preparation. Microgreens are typically eaten raw and are small enough to add to a recipe without any additional chopping. They have a similar flavor to their fully mature counterparts, but are typically even stronger. Microgreens can be put on avocado toast, mixed into a green smoothie, or serve as the base for a grilled vegetable salad. You can try your own microgreen recipe or check out recipe inspiration on Arizona Microgreens’ website.

Grow Your Business With Peddler’s Son

As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor since 1988, Peddler’s Son is here to help your business grow. We provide exceptional customer service through transparency and integrity, while building valuable relationships with Arizona organizations. We focus on the best quality, fresh produce and provisions. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a customer.