Micro Basil Mix
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 4.00
This item was last sold on : 12/23/24
Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Basil Mix™ consists of very small leaves connected to slender stems, and the leaves range from flat and broad, oval, lanceolate, to a rounded spade shape. The leaves also vary in color from green to dark purple, sometimes displaying prominent veining across the surface. Micro Basil Mix™ has a soft, crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. Within the mix, each microgreen has a distinct flavor, exuding notes of citrus, anise, cloves, camphor, pepper, and cinnamon. In combination, the mix provides a delicate blend of herbaceous flavors with sweet, savory, slightly nutty, earthy, and licorice-forward undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Basil Mix™ is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Basil Mix™ is a blend of young, edible seedlings that are a part of a trademarked line of specialty microgreens grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. The herbaceous mix combines several basil varieties from the Lamiaceae family to produce a modern twist on the classic basil flavor, incorporating warm, earthy, sweet, and savory herbal nuances. The name basil is derived from the Greek word basilikos, roughly translating to mean “herb worthy of a king,” and this title was given to the aromatic plant for its widespread use in culinary applications worldwide. Many different basil cultivars have been bred over time to exhibit unique flavorings, and Fresh Origins Farm curated Micro Basil Mix™ to provide chefs with a signature, exclusive basil blend. Micro Basil Mix™ is generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. Chefs use the blend as an accent in savory and sweet dishes, and the herbal mix also adds visual depth with its multi-colored, expressive appearance. Micro Basil Mix™ can be separated, selecting specific basil varieties from the mix to place on small plates, or the entire mixture can be quickly sprinkled across larger preparations for enhanced flavor, visual appeal, and textural depth.
Nutritional Value
Micro Basil Mix™ provides multiple vitamins and minerals due to its mixture of herbs with unique nutritional properties. The greens are a source of vitamin K, a nutrient that assists in faster wound healing, and are a good source of iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen through the blood. The aromatic leaves also contain vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, calcium to strengthen bones, manganese to stimulate protein digestion, and antioxidants to provide anti-inflammatory properties to protect against free radical damage. It is important to note that the vitamins and minerals are found primarily within the leaves and not in the stems of the microgreens. Growing conditions also significantly impact the nutritional content, and Fresh Origins cultivates their microgreens in a natural setting, an ideal climate for healthy, optimal greens.
Applications
Micro Basil Mix™ is best used fresh as an edible garnish. The delicate greens cannot withstand high heat and should be added at the end of the cooking process to prevent the leaves from wilting and ensure the best flavor. Micro Basil Mix™ can be floated over soups and curries, tossed into green and fruit salads, sprinkled over pasta, layered into spring rolls or sandwiches, infused into olive oils and vinegar, or used as a fresh topping on pizza. The microgreens can also be placed on top of bruschetta or caprese for an elegant appetizer, blended into sauces and pesto for added herbal notes, or used as an edible garnish for baked goods and desserts. In addition to culinary preparations, Micro Basil Mix™ can be infused into syrups or muddled into sparkling beverages, cocktails, frozen drinks, or lemonades for added flavor. The greens can also be individually placed or floated in an artfully arranged, small pile on top of beverages. Micro Basil Mix™ pairs well with fruits such as strawberries, lemons, watermelons, persimmons, pomelos, and grapefruit, honey, maple syrup, cucumbers, tomatoes, seafood, and roasted meats, including beef, turkey, or poultry. Micro Basil Mix™ will generally keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Basil has become a revitalized ingredient through the modern classic mixology movement. The juxtaposed name embodies the art of taking classic cocktails and altering the elements to reflect the flavors of the present-day. Modern classic is also used to represent new cocktails that have taken the world by storm and have become established drinks, believed to remain a signature beverage among cocktail menus worldwide. One example of a recent modern classic cocktail that has reached worldwide fame is the Gin Basil Smash, also known as the Basil Smash. The bright green herbal drink was created in 2008 by two mixologists who were separately experimenting with basil to create a new cocktail for their bar menus. Both mixologists released their drinks in 2008, combining basil with sugar, gin, and fresh lemon juice, but each put his own spin on the cocktail, varying the levels of each ingredient. Joerg Meyer, owner and mixologist of Bar Le Lion in Hamburg, Germany, received worldwide recognition for his Gin Basil Smash by promoting the drink through social media. The drink is considered a relatively new cocktail, being a twist on the classic whiskey smash, and is designed for simplicity without the absence of flavor. The Gin Basil Smash quickly won “Best New Cocktail” at the 2008 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, and since the drink’s release, many different versions have been developed around the world. Variations of the modern classic cocktail include using red basil to provide a slightly different flavor profile and combining fruits, pepper, and spices into the mixture. In addition to using mature basil leaves, mixologists are experimenting with microgreens such as Micro Basil Mix™ as a unique twist on the original recipe. Micro Basil Mix™ can be muddled for a complex blend of basil flavors, or it can be incorporated as an edible garnish to complement the fresh, herbal flavors within the cocktail.
Geography/History
Micro Basil Mix™ was developed at Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California, the leading American producer of naturally grown microgreens since the mid-1990s. Fresh Origins has been using the mild, Southern California climate year-round to produce robust, healthy, and flavorful microgreens for over twenty years, and the farm closely partners with chefs to create innovative varieties with unique flavorings. Fresh Origins also has the highest level third-party-audited food safety program and is a certified member of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, which follows science-based food safety practices to promote transparency and honesty in production. Today Micro Basil Mix™ can be found through select distribution partners of Fresh Origins across the United States, including Specialty Produce, and are also found through partners in Canada.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Bistro Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
Rose Café | Carlsbad CA | 310-399-0711 |
Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 |
My Chef | San Diego CA | 916-217-0049 |
Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Basil Mix. One is easiest, three is harder.
Gourmande in the Kitchen | Pea Herded Goat Cheese Tar | |
Shawna Coronado | Egg Bites with Basil Microgreens | |
Dash of Savory | Seared Scallops with Cream Basil Pesto |