How Long Do Microgreens Last? A Simple Guide to Shelf Life and Freshness
The second most common question we get is, “How long do microgreens last?” We have an official answer, but the real answer is nuanced.
The annoying thing is that, like so many things in life: it depends. The good thing is, there are a few different bits of info that can really inform your individual scenario.
For starters, how long microgreens last depends on the crop, how they're stored, how you handle them, and everything that happens between harvest and the moment you open the clamshell in your kitchen. Need more info? Keep reading.
How Long Do Microgreens Usually Last?
As a general rule, we tell people that microgreens last around 7–10 days.
That said, we've had customers report to us that their radish has lasted weeks in their fridge. On the flip side, we've also heard from folks that their basil didn't even make it through the weekend (even though it's more than capable of lasting much longer).
Some varieties are just sturdier than others (shoots tend to last the longest), but there are a lot of other factors at play that we'll cover soon. The critical thing is to remember that microgreens are fresh food.
They're not meant to last forever—that's why we offer weekly deliveries! Only buy what you expect to use over the next week or so, and we'll do our best to offer some insight that will help you get the most life out of what you purchase.
Why Some Microgreens Last Longer Than Others
Not all microgreens behave the same way. Crop varieties matter, but so do moisture, fridge placement, and how the greens were handled after purchase.
For example, did you get them at an outdoor market and keep them in a bag under your arm, or did you put them in a cooler in the back of your car?
A sturdier crop, like sunflower shoots, may hold up beautifully, while a more delicate one, like amaranth, may need to be used up sooner.
That doesn't mean anything is wrong with the product. It just means each crop has its own personality, and a little care goes a long way. For more in-depth guidance on how to store and prep your greens for use, this page focuses on how to keep your greens fresher, longer.
How To Tell When Microgreens Are Past Their Prime
Fresh microgreens should look lively and smell clean. When their best days are behind them, the signs are pretty easy to spot (or smell):
- Visual: How do they look? Some wilting is normal, but the greens shouldn't look mushy or slimy.
- The Smell Test: fresh greens smell clean; spoiled ones have a sour or “off” odor.
- Texture: leaves that are really matted down and don't bounce back when you handle them might mean the honeymoon is over.
A little softness doesn't mean they need to be tossed right away, but a strong odor or mushy leaves are good signs it's time to let them go.
Ultimately, you'll need to use your judgment.
Hungry for More Info on Microgreens?
Microgreens are a simple way to bring more nutrition, freshness, color, and flavor into everyday meals—and using them doesn't need to be complicated.
If you want to get more life out of each clamshell:
- Start with realistic expectations,
- Use them regularly,
- Use your eyes and nose to monitor freshness, and
- Check out How to get the most life out of your microgreens
Also, these posts are great for more general microgreen info:
