Micro Red Mustard
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 0
This item was last sold on : 08/23/24
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Description/Taste
Micro Mustard Red is comprised of 1 to 2 small, flat leaves attached to a slender stem, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length. The leaves display variegated hues of dark green and purple and have a broad, heart-like shape with smooth, uniform, and defined curved edges. There may also be a few small green leaves, also known as the true leaves, forming from the stem that bear serrated edges and defined veining. Micro Mustard Red has a crisp, succulent, and tender nature with a sturdy consistency. When the microgreens are consumed, an immediate sweet and tangy taste is released that intensifies into a pleasantly sharp, pungent, and spicy flavor. The peppery flavor quickly dissipates and is followed by fresh, vegetal nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Mustard Red is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Mustard Red 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 small, potent leaves are a modern twist on the classic flavorings of mustard greens and were selected by Fresh Origins for their visual appeal and robust flavor. Micro Mustard Red is generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. Chefs use Micro Mustard Red as an unexpected, sharp accent in savory dishes, and the greens provide an added layer of flavorful warmth. Micro Mustard Red is also used as an aesthetic element to elevate the dish by utilizing the microgreen’s multi-colored, expressive appearance. Micro Mustard Red can be separated, selecting individual greens to place on small plates as a procured garnish, or a handful of the microgreens can be quickly sprinkled across larger preparations for enhanced flavor, visual appeal, and textural depth. In addition to being featured as a microgreen, Micro Mustard Red is also offered as a Petite® Green, a slightly larger, more mature version with a stronger flavor and texture.
Nutritional Value
Micro Mustard Red is a source of antioxidants to protect the cells against free radical damage and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The greens also provide vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing and contain lower amounts of minerals, including copper, calcium, and iron. 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 Mustard Red is best used fresh as an edible garnish. The robust, peppery microgreens enhance the rich flavors found in savory dishes and provide added crunch as a textural element. Micro Mustard Red is traditionally added at the end as a finishing touch to prevent the leaves from wilting. The microgreens can be tossed into salads, mixed with other micro varieties as a bed of greens under roasted meats, piled on coleslaw, or layered into sandwiches. Micro Mustard Red can also be integrated into stir-fries, roasted vegetables, and rice bowls, or they can be sprinkled over sushi, sashimi, soups, and curries. The pungent microgreens compliment flavors traditionally found in Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and German cuisine, and they can be used to enhance dishes with a warm, spicy taste. Micro Mustard Red pairs well with meats such as poultry, lamb, pork, and beef, nuts including pistachios, peanuts, and hazelnuts, apples, citrus, aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and shallots, and herbs such as dill, cilantro, and fennel. Micro Mustard Red will generally keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In India, mustard greens are a bitter and pungent ingredient used to balance flavors and energies within a dish. Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient holistic practice developed over 3,000 years ago in India to balance the body and maintain optimal health. Within Ayurveda, it is believed that incorporating six different tastes into a meal will bring the necessary harmony needed for improved digestion and health. The six tastes include bitter, pungent, sour, astringent, salty, and sweet. Mustard greens can be added to a recipe as a bitter or pungent taste, and each taste will vary in strength depending on the need of the individual. Mustard greens are also viewed as a warming ingredient that can stimulate, detox, and purify the body during cold and wet seasons. While full-grown mustard greens have been a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, micro mustard greens, including Micro Mustard Red, are a modern way to impart pungent flavors into a dish. Microgreens are favored in India for their compact size, high nutritional content, and robust flavor. The greens can be easily added to any dish and are a contemporary, efficient method to incorporating all six tastes without extensive preparation.
Geography/History
Micro Mustard Red 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 Mustard Red 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.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Red Mustard. One is easiest, three is harder.
Cooking And Beer | Grilled Eggplant Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette |