Abstract

Microgreens young seedlings harvested 7 – 21 days after germination have emerged as a nutrient-dense, resource-efficient crop with significant potential to address global food and nutritional security challenges. Their exceptional concentrations of vitamins (A, C, K, and E), minerals (Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)), carotenoids, phenolics, and bioactive phytochemicals position them as next-generation functional foods capable of combating micronutrient deficiencies in both urban and rural populations. Their rapid growth cycle, minimal land requirement, and compatibility with soil, hydroponic, and vertical farming systems make microgreens well suited for household production, controlledenvironment agriculture (CEA), and climate-resilient food systems. Advances in light emitting diodes (LED) lighting, optimized substrates, precision nutrient management, and artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated cultivation platforms further enhance yield, phytonutrient density, and production consistency. Microgreens also demonstrate promising therapeutic properties, including antiinflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects, supporting their use in nutrition-sensitive interventions. As a low-cost enterprise, microgreens generate livelihood opportunities for women, youth, and small-scale urban growers, while contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to hunger, health, gender equity, sustainable cities, and responsible production. Emerging applications in biofortification, value-added products, humanitarian food supply, and closed-loop life-support systems including space missions underscore their global relevance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on microgreen biology, cultivation strategies, nutritional composition, food safety, and market outlook, while highlighting future research and policy priorities for integrating microgreens into resilient, nutrition-sensitive food systems.

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