Black garbanzo microgreens, also known as black chickpea microgreens, are packed with nutrients. They contain an ample amount of protein and fiber to promote health. They also contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, phosphorus, copper, and manganese.
Black garbanzo bean microgreens contain soluble fiber that binds to bile to reduce cholesterol levels. When enjoyed regularly, black garbanzo microgreens can lower your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Black chickpea microgreens phytochemicals, amino acids, iron, flavonoids, and antioxidants which help to reduce the risk of various cancer. They also help to regulate hormone levels, which reduces hot flashes, night sweats, and other bothersome symptoms experienced during menopause.
Black garbanzo microgreens also strengthen your bones, improves skin, hair, and nails, and stabilizes blood sugar. The fiber in these delicious microgreens helps with weight loss, reduces systemic inflammation, and improves heart health.
Here are the answers to some of the most common FAQs about black garbanzo microgreens.
Do Black Garbanzo Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?
Unlike most microgreens, black garbanzo microgreens will regrow after harvest. Although they do not regerminate, as long as one leaf remains the microgreen will regrow.
How Fast Do Black Garbanzo Microgreens Grow?
You can expect to harvest black garbanzo microgreens approximately 10 to 12 days after you have planted black chickpea seeds.
Equipment Needed To Grow Black Garbanzo Microgreens
Black garbanzo microgreens are easy to grow; however, you must follow the steps listed below to minimize the risk of mold and disease.
There are several methods that can be used to grow microgreens; however, the one listed below will help ensure a healthy, successful harvest each time.
Specific Equipment Needed for Black Garbanzo Microgreens
If you decide to purchase your equipment separately, here is a list of items you will need:
Sealable Mason Jar(s) – Black Garbanzo microgreens must be soaked for 4 to 6 hours before planting. If you wish to speed up the process, you can soak the seeds for up to 24 hours. A pint mason jar with a screw-top lid is your best option for presoaking black chickpea microgreens.
Made in America by the Ball Mason Jar Company Great for candles, lotions, jams and jellies, preserves, herbs etc. Lid and airtight band included Set of 4 jars No shipping outside of the continental U.S. The line on the jar says 12oz but you can fill in to 16 oz.
Growing Medium – Black Garbanzo microgreens require fine-grained soil that drains well. You can choose from either soil or coconut coil; however, most growers prefer using coconut coir because of its ability to keep your microgreens roots moist without allowing moisture to reach the leaves and stems, where rot and mildew can occur.
Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)
Growing Trays – You will need three trays for your black garbanzo microgreens. This setup allows you to control the amount of water and light your microgreens receive. You will need a tray with holes in it to plant your seeds, a tray without holes to place your seed planting tray inside, and a tray without holes for the top. Typically, microgreen growers use 10 inch by 20 inch trays; however, you can also choose 10 inch square trays.
【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.
Light Source – Black garbanzo microgreens require an ample amount of sunlight. Although you can use natural sunlight for your microgreens, a grow light like these can help your microgreens grow faster, fuller, and healthier.
Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue
Although no light is required during the germination process, you will need a consistent light once the black chickpea microgreens have germinated.
(Optional) Heating Mat – A heating mat may or may not be necessary, depending on the temperature of your house. There are numerous moderately priced heating mats to choose from, including this one:
Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.
(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack – A planting rack for your black garbanzo microgreens can be custom fitted with grow lights. You can retrofit a rack like the one shown below with your grow lights and heat mats to ensure optimal germination and growth.
IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.
(Optional) Microgreen Circulation Fan – Black garbanzo greens are susceptible to a variety of diseases and mold. You can reduce the risk of mold by using microgreen circulation fans to increase ventilation.
LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2
Other Materials Needed to Grow Black Garbanzo Microgreens
The most important thing that you need when growing black garbanzo microgreens are USDA organic, non-GMO seeds. True Leaf Market is an industry leader when it comes to high-quality microgreen seeds.
Here is a detailed step-by-step video to help you better understand how to grow black garbanzo microgreens.
Pre-Soaking and Planting Microgreen Seeds
Garbanzo microgreens must be presoaked before planting. Throughout the presoaking and planting process, you must take care to avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold growth.
Pre-Soaking – Fill your Ball mason jar approximately three quarters full of your black garbanzo microgreen seeds. This will allow your seeds to expand and sprout during the initial soaking. Fill your jar with water and tighten the lid. Allow your seeds to soak for 4 to 6 hours and then drain out water. Soaking your seeds allows them to absorb water, which speeds up the germination process.
Use Double Tray at the Bottom – You will be using two microgreen trays on the bottom and one tray on the top. Place your tray with drainage holes inside a tray with no holes. This setup will allow you to water your microgreens from the bottom, which reduces the risk of disease.
Fill with Growing Medium – One of the favorite growing mediums to use for black garbanzo microgreens is coconut coir because it helps prevent mold from forming and growing. Spread your coconut coir evenly in your grow tray with holes until it is approximately three fourths full
Sow Seeds – Next, you will want to sow your black garbanzo seeds atop your coconut coir. You should use approximately 2 to 3 ounces of seeds per 10 inch by 20 inch grow tray. Once you have sown your seed, cover the seed with a thin layer of coconut coir.
Water Seeds and Soil – Water your seeds and soil lightly using your mister. Water two to three times to ensure the soil is adequately moistened to enhance germination rates. You may need to water twice daily until your microgreens sprout. It is vital that you do not overwater or underwater as overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering.
Growing Black Garbanzo Microgreens
The germination process is done in the dark, which is why you need a second growing tray with no drain holes.
Place a Second Tray Atop Seeds – Place the second tray with no holes on top of your seeds and weigh down the tray. Weighing down your grow tray ensures your garbanzo microgreen roots grow downward and the stems of your microgreens grow stronger. It will typically take 2 to 3 days for your seeds to properly germinate.
Check for Sprouting – After 2 days, your black garbanzo seeds should have begun to sprout. Lift the tray and see if your seeds have sprouted. AT this time, the sprouts will be very pale. Typically, all of the seeds will not have sprouted after the second day.
Germination – On the third day, your black chickpea seeds will have germinated. Remove the top tray and check the water level of the soil. The soil should be slightly damp. Today, you can either water using your mister or add a small amount of water to the bottom tray, which will allow the roots to draw water up into your microgreens.
Place under Your Grow Lights – When you remove the top tray, your microgreens will be pale and translucent. Placing them under grow lights will cause photosynthesis. As they remain under the grow lights, they will turn a vibrant green color.
Turn on Your Circulation Fans – Black garbanzo microgreens are susceptible to mold. Using circulation fans can help minimize the risk of mold. However, you will need to constantly monitor your water levels as the fans will dry the soil out quickly.
Continue Monitoring Growth – You will need to continue monitoring your black garbanzo microgreens over the next several days. It typically takes black chickpea microgreens 7 to 14 days to be ready for harvesting. During this time, add water to the bottom tray, as necessary, being careful to avoid overwatering.
Harvesting – Black garbanzo microgreens should be harvested when they reach 2 to 5 inches tall. Use your kitchen shears and cut your microgreens just above the soil level.
Harvesting Black Garbanzo Microgreens
Black garbanzo microgreens will be ready for harvest one week to two weeks after planting. Ensure your kitchen shears are sparkling clean and sharp. If you prefer, you can use a sharp knife for harvesting your microgreens.
Harvest Above the Roots – When harvesting your microgreens gently gather the greens in your fingers and cut approximately one quarter of an inch above the soil level. Ensure your knife or scissors are sharp so they smoothly cut the stems rather than crushing the stems.
Rinse in Cool Water – Once you have harvested your black garbanzo microgreens, you will want to plunge them into a cool water bath. This will remove any soil, residue, or mold from your microgreens. Once you have thoroughly rinsed your microgreens, gently pat them dry using clean paper towels. Then, place the microgreens on a clean paper towel and allow them to air dry before storing them in the refrigerator.
Storing Black Garbanzo Microgreens
Once your black garbanzo microgreens have been rinsed and allowed to air dry, you need to place them in an airtight container or a zip lock bag. For best results, place your microgreens in your crisper. Following these storage directions will allow you to enjoy your garbanzo microgreens for up to 10 days.
If you plan on selling or shipping your garbanzo microgreens, you will want to gently wrap your microgreens in a paper towel and place them in a sealed bag or airtight container. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture, ensuring your black chickpea microgreens remain crisp and delicious. When packaged correctly, your black garbanzo microgreens will remain usable for approximately two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Black garbanzo microgreens are delicious and simple to grow when the correct protocols are followed. These wonderful microgreens offer a plethora of health benefits and are easy to incorporate into your diet. You can enjoy them as a garnish, in salads, or smoothies. Black chickpea microgreens provide you with optimal nutrition and can be grown at home with only a few tools.
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.
Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.
