Micro Opal Basil
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 8.00
This item was last sold on : 12/22/24
Grower
Micro Opal basil is very small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in length, and has fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters of two to three on slender stems. The leaves are thin, smooth, and crisp with a variegated color of dark purple and green. The slim stems are delicate, succulent, pliable, and are also green. Micro Opal basil is crunchy and mild with initial flavors of lemon-lime, transitioning to a subtle basil-clove, sweet-spicy flavor.
Micro Opal basil is available year-round.
Micro Opal basil is the tiny, edible version of the mature herb and is typically harvested young, approximately 14-25 days after sowing. Microgreens, such as Micro Opal basil, have been a trendy item used in upscale restaurants since the 1990s-2000s and are most commonly consumed fresh to elevate the dining experience. Micro Opal basil is favored by chefs as a garnish to add crisp texture, vibrant color, and a light, mild flavor to both savory and sweet dishes.
Micro Opal basil contains iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Micro Opal basil is best suited for fresh applications as their delicate nature cannot withstand high heat preparations. They are most commonly used as a garnish that can be sprinkled over green salads, fruit salads, pasta, pizza, and meat dishes. They can also be chopped into dips, layered in sandwiches, sprinkled on caprese, mixed into bruschetta, or blended into pesto. In addition to appetizers and main dishes, Micro Opal basil can be used as a garnish for cocktails or sprinkled over desserts for an added, sweet and spicy flavor. The leaves can also be used to make an aromatic infused vinegar and oil. Micro Opal basil pairs well with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, and peaches. The greens will keep 5-7 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Micro Opal basil is heavily used as a garnish to add fresh, green flavors to dishes. Considered a sweet basil, these greens add a vibrant purple hue to green salads and are also used as a dye for food and drinks in the culinary industry. One producer of Micro Opal basil, Fresh Origins Farm, uses innovation with expert growing techniques to create common and unique microgreens and has been supplying distributors with these specialty greens for over twenty years. Fresh Origins uses the sunny Southern California climate to produce healthy crops with bold, exceptional flavors. The microgreens are grown in greenhouses that allow for natural sunlight and continuous air circulation, which is an ideal climate for optimum growth and year-round harvest.
Micro Opal basil was created in the United States between the 1990s and early 2000s as a part of the growing microgreen movement. The Micro Opal basil featured in the photo above was from Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. Today Micro Opal basil can be found through specialty grocers, such as Specialty Produce, and is available across the United States.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Micro Opal Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Opal basil is very small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in length, and has fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters of two to three on slender stems. The leaves are thin, smooth, and crisp with a variegated color of dark purple and green. The slim stems are delicate, succulent, pliable, and are also green. Micro Opal basil is crunchy and mild with initial flavors of lemon-lime, transitioning to a subtle basil-clove, sweet-spicy flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Opal basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Opal basil is the tiny, edible version of the mature herb and is typically harvested young, approximately 14-25 days after sowing. Microgreens, such as Micro Opal basil, have been a trendy item used in upscale restaurants since the 1990s-2000s and are most commonly consumed fresh to elevate the dining experience. Micro Opal basil is favored by chefs as a garnish to add crisp texture, vibrant color, and a light, mild flavor to both savory and sweet dishes.
Nutritional Value
Micro Opal basil contains iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Applications
Micro Opal basil is best suited for fresh applications as their delicate nature cannot withstand high heat preparations. They are most commonly used as a garnish that can be sprinkled over green salads, fruit salads, pasta, pizza, and meat dishes. They can also be chopped into dips, layered in sandwiches, sprinkled on caprese, mixed into bruschetta, or blended into pesto. In addition to appetizers and main dishes, Micro Opal basil can be used as a garnish for cocktails or sprinkled over desserts for an added, sweet and spicy flavor. The leaves can also be used to make an aromatic infused vinegar and oil. Micro Opal basil pairs well with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, and peaches. The greens will keep 5-7 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Micro Opal basil is heavily used as a garnish to add fresh, green flavors to dishes. Considered a sweet basil, these greens add a vibrant purple hue to green salads and are also used as a dye for food and drinks in the culinary industry. One producer of Micro Opal basil, Fresh Origins Farm, uses innovation with expert growing techniques to create common and unique microgreens and has been supplying distributors with these specialty greens for over twenty years. Fresh Origins uses the sunny Southern California climate to produce healthy crops with bold, exceptional flavors. The microgreens are grown in greenhouses that allow for natural sunlight and continuous air circulation, which is an ideal climate for optimum growth and year-round harvest.
Geography/History
Micro Opal basil was created in the United States between the 1990s and early 2000s as a part of the growing microgreen movement. The Micro Opal basil featured in the photo above was from Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. Today Micro Opal basil can be found through specialty grocers, such as Specialty Produce, and is available across the United States.
Learn More...
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Botanica | San Diego CA | 619-310-6320 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Opal Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
