How Long Do Microgreens Last, and How to Keep Them Fresh

One of the most common questions we hear at TC Greens is simple: how long do microgreens actually last? The honest answer depends a lot on how fresh they were when you got them, and that is exactly where a local grower has an edge.

The short answer

Stored properly in the refrigerator, most microgreens stay fresh and crisp for about one to two weeks. Heartier varieties like sunflower, pea shoots, and radish tend to last longer, while delicate greens like cilantro and amaranth are best used sooner.

Why local greens last longer

Microgreens start losing quality the moment they are harvested. Greens trucked in from out of state can spend days in transit and on a shelf before they reach you, so the clock is already running down. Because we grow in Tega Cay and deliver locally across the Charlotte area, ours are cut the same morning they reach you. That head start is why customers are often surprised how long our greens keep.

How to store microgreens so they stay fresh

• Keep them in their original container in the fridge, ideally in the crisper drawer.
• Add a dry paper towel to the container to absorb excess moisture, which is the main thing that turns greens slimy.
• Do not wash them until you are ready to eat them. Extra water shortens their life.
• Keep them away from the coldest spot in the fridge so they do not freeze.

Signs they are past their prime

Toss them if they smell off, feel slimy, or have visibly yellowed. A little wilting can often be revived with a quick chill, but sliminess means it is time to compost.

The easiest way to always have fresh greens

If you find yourself running out, a weekly subscription keeps your fridge stocked without thinking about it. Browse our microgreens and pick your favorites, or let us choose with a Harvest Box. Fresh, local, and cut to order.