Micro Iceplant
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 1.00
This item was last sold on : 11/17/24
Grower
Micro Iceplant is comprised of 2 to 4 small leaves attached to a slender stem, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length. The light green leaves are oval to ovate, tapering slightly at the stem-end, and have an elongated, slender appearance with curved, even edges. The surface of the leaves is smooth, pliable, and textured, covered in tiny crystal-like, round cells filled with water. The leaves also bear a thick and fleshy consistency, contributing to the microgreen’s crisp, succulent, and tender nature, and are attached to a narrow pale green stem. Micro Iceplant contains a refreshing, salty, and juicy flavor with vegetal, subtly sweet, and tangy lemon undertones.
Micro Iceplant is available year-round.
Micro Iceplant belongs to the Aizoaceae family and consists of young, edible seedlings that are a part of a line of specialty microgreens grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. The crisp, succulent greens contribute a salty and tangy flavor and were specially curated to provide chefs with a unique, edible garnish. Microgreens are generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing and are gathered at the peak of their growth cycle to ensure optimum flavor. Micro Iceplant also contributes a whimsical shape and texture to culinary dishes as the leaf’s surface is covered in vesicles or bladder cells that store water and salt, giving the leaves a glistening, wet appearance. This distinct texture and the natural salinity found within the microgreens elevate the dining experience by evoking flavors of the ocean in small, controlled amounts. In addition to being featured as a microgreen, Micro Iceplant is also offered as a Petite® Green, a slightly larger, more mature version of the green.
Micro Iceplant is a source of vitamins A and C, nutrients that reduce inflammation, boost collagen production within the skin, and strengthen the immune system. The microgreens also contain B vitamins to repair body tissues and provide lower amounts of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. 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.
Micro Iceplant is best suited as an edible garnish and provides a refreshing marine flavor to savory culinary dishes. The tender, succulent greens are primarily used as an accent and should be incorporated at the end of plating to prevent the leaves from wilting. Micro Iceplant can be used to garnish sushi, stir-fries, and broths, or it can be layered into sandwiches, floated over soups, tossed into salads, or delicately paired with fresh ingredients as a crisp appetizer. The microgreens also complement Asian-inspired dishes, utilizing flavorings such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, or they can be served with seafood, incorporated into main dishes, chowders, pasta, or salads. In addition to savory dishes, the leaves are sometimes used to make tea. Micro Iceplant pairs well with seafood such as fish, scallops, crab, oysters, and mussels, fruits such as strawberries, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, herbs such as parsley, mint, and cilantro, potatoes, avocados, and cucumbers. It is recommended to use Micro Iceplant immediately for the best flavor, quality, and texture. The microgreens will also keep 5 to 7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Iceplant earned its name from its unique growth characteristics. The fleshy leaves contain a translucent, jelly-like interior when sliced open, and legend has it that many people said it bared a similar appearance to the sheen of ice. The leaf's surface also remains cool to the touch due to its natural salinity and water content, and the plant gathers salt from the soil and the air to create a natural moisture barrier to keep the leaves an even temperature in hot climates. Iceplant is most well-known for the small, water-like droplets that cover the surface of the leaves. These droplets are a type of fluid reservoir, and the round vesicles give the leaves a sparkling, dewy appearance, also contributing to the plant’s ice-like descriptor.
Iceplant is native to South Africa and has been growing wild since ancient times. The plant was globally spread by seeds being carried in the soil and sand stored in trade and merchant ships in the 18th century, and in the modern-day, iceplant has been naturalized around the world. The Micro Iceplant featured in the photograph above was grown 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 Iceplant 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.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Micro Iceplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Iceplant is comprised of 2 to 4 small leaves attached to a slender stem, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length. The light green leaves are oval to ovate, tapering slightly at the stem-end, and have an elongated, slender appearance with curved, even edges. The surface of the leaves is smooth, pliable, and textured, covered in tiny crystal-like, round cells filled with water. The leaves also bear a thick and fleshy consistency, contributing to the microgreen’s crisp, succulent, and tender nature, and are attached to a narrow pale green stem. Micro Iceplant contains a refreshing, salty, and juicy flavor with vegetal, subtly sweet, and tangy lemon undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Iceplant is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Iceplant belongs to the Aizoaceae family and consists of young, edible seedlings that are a part of a line of specialty microgreens grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. The crisp, succulent greens contribute a salty and tangy flavor and were specially curated to provide chefs with a unique, edible garnish. Microgreens are generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing and are gathered at the peak of their growth cycle to ensure optimum flavor. Micro Iceplant also contributes a whimsical shape and texture to culinary dishes as the leaf’s surface is covered in vesicles or bladder cells that store water and salt, giving the leaves a glistening, wet appearance. This distinct texture and the natural salinity found within the microgreens elevate the dining experience by evoking flavors of the ocean in small, controlled amounts. In addition to being featured as a microgreen, Micro Iceplant is also offered as a Petite® Green, a slightly larger, more mature version of the green.
Nutritional Value
Micro Iceplant is a source of vitamins A and C, nutrients that reduce inflammation, boost collagen production within the skin, and strengthen the immune system. The microgreens also contain B vitamins to repair body tissues and provide lower amounts of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. 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 Iceplant is best suited as an edible garnish and provides a refreshing marine flavor to savory culinary dishes. The tender, succulent greens are primarily used as an accent and should be incorporated at the end of plating to prevent the leaves from wilting. Micro Iceplant can be used to garnish sushi, stir-fries, and broths, or it can be layered into sandwiches, floated over soups, tossed into salads, or delicately paired with fresh ingredients as a crisp appetizer. The microgreens also complement Asian-inspired dishes, utilizing flavorings such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, or they can be served with seafood, incorporated into main dishes, chowders, pasta, or salads. In addition to savory dishes, the leaves are sometimes used to make tea. Micro Iceplant pairs well with seafood such as fish, scallops, crab, oysters, and mussels, fruits such as strawberries, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, herbs such as parsley, mint, and cilantro, potatoes, avocados, and cucumbers. It is recommended to use Micro Iceplant immediately for the best flavor, quality, and texture. The microgreens will also keep 5 to 7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Iceplant earned its name from its unique growth characteristics. The fleshy leaves contain a translucent, jelly-like interior when sliced open, and legend has it that many people said it bared a similar appearance to the sheen of ice. The leaf's surface also remains cool to the touch due to its natural salinity and water content, and the plant gathers salt from the soil and the air to create a natural moisture barrier to keep the leaves an even temperature in hot climates. Iceplant is most well-known for the small, water-like droplets that cover the surface of the leaves. These droplets are a type of fluid reservoir, and the round vesicles give the leaves a sparkling, dewy appearance, also contributing to the plant’s ice-like descriptor.
Geography/History
Iceplant is native to South Africa and has been growing wild since ancient times. The plant was globally spread by seeds being carried in the soil and sand stored in trade and merchant ships in the 18th century, and in the modern-day, iceplant has been naturalized around the world. The Micro Iceplant featured in the photograph above was grown 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 Iceplant 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.
Learn More...
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Iceplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
