Sun Daisy MicroFlowers™
Estimated Inventory, 200 ct : 4.00
This item was last sold on : 12/20/24
Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers are small composite blooms, averaging 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and are comprised of five bright yellow, obovate petals with deep, vertical lines, giving the appearance of ribbon, and creating a star shape. The petals surround a center comprised of small disk florets in dark yellow and brown coloring. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers have a mild, grassy aroma, and a grassy and herbal flavor with notes of nutmeg and a slightly bitter
Seasons/Availability
Micro Sun Daisy™ is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Sun Daisy™ is a mixture of small, edible flowers that are part of a trademarked line of specialty MicroFlowers™ grown by Fresh Origins® Farm in San Marcos, California. The miniature line of flowers is smaller than a quarter coin in United States currency, and offers a wide range of flavor profiles, vibrant colors, unique shapes, and playful textures to elevate culinary and mixology experiences. Micro Sun Daisy™ is a propriety name assigned to these small bright yellow daisies, which were developed from an African daisy, a perennial blossom botanically classified as Osteospermum, and belonging to the Aster family. The name “Sun Daisy” was given to African Daisies because the original strains of the flower would only remain open during periods of full sun. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers can be used to elevate the color, texture, dimension, and flavor of many different culinary and drink applications.
Nutritional Value
Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers have not been studied for their nutritional value, but are known to contain carotenoids, pigments that give the petals their bright yellow color. Carotenoids are antioxidants that can boost the immune system and protect cells from free radicals. Like other edible flowers, Micro Sun Daisies™ are a source of vitamins A and C, nutrients that support the immune system and boost collagen production in the skin.
Applications
Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers have a mild and vegetal flavor that is well suited as a garnish or edible accent. The small flowers are delicate and should be added at the end of the cooking process for culinary applications and at the end of mixing for drinks to prevent the petals from wilting and losing their flavor and volume. The flowers are entirely edible and can be used whole or the petals can be separated from the center of the flower and utilized individually. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers can be sprinkled over salads, floated atop chilled soups, or spread throughout fruit bowls. The flowers can be pressed into soft cheeses and butter, or they can be rolled into fresh pasta, tortillas, or breads to add a colorful component. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers can be used to garnish meat dishes featuring poultry or grilled fish, or they can be placed atop roasted spring vegetables, grilled mushrooms, or pasta dishes. The small blossoms can be frozen into ice cubes and added to cocktails, sparkling beverages, lemonades, and iced teas. The bright yellow flowers make the perfect garnish for charcuterie boards, platters, cakes, and cupcakes. The blooms can be placed atop custard desserts such as panna cotta, crème brulé, and cheesecake, or they can be added to tea cakes, macarons, and cookies for a whimsical touch. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers pair well with fresh fruits such as berries, stone fruit, lemons, apples, and melons, herbs such as lavender, mint, and basil, and soft cheeses such as brie, blue, goat, and feta. The blossoms will also pair well with flaky white fish, poultry, green vegetables, and mushrooms. Whole Microflowers™ should be used immediately for best quality and flavor and will keep for 3 to 5 days when stored in their clamshell in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
For many centuries, African Daisies have symbolized happiness, joy, and optimism. Their vibrant colors and sun-seeking blooms have led to the flowers being given as a symbol of purity and new beginnings. In the Victorian Era, flowers were used as a language, where each type of color held a special meaning. Learning the symbolism of flowers became a popular pastime during this era, leading to guidebooks being written to help decipher the secret language of flowers. Usually, the flowers were used to communicate messages that could not be spoken outwardly. Daisies were used to spread a message of innocence or of loyal love. Later, meanings were added to the varying colors of African daisies, with yellow daisies symbolizing joy, friendship, and cheerfulness. They became the ideal flower to brighten someone’s day. This tradition continues in culinary applications, where yellow sun daisies make a cheery and vibrant addition to cakes used in birthday, anniversary, and baby shower celebrations.
Geography/History
The African Daisy, also known as the Cape Marigold, is a hardy flowering plant native to the arid, stony sands of South Africa where they have grown wild for millennia. The flowers were introduced to Europe and the United States during the 19th century. The original strain of flower was undesirable in these regions because the flowers would only remain open in full sun. However, a demand for the vivid coloring of these showy blossoms led botanists to develop breeding programs that produced cultivars with flowers that remained open much longer. Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers were developed at Fresh Origins® farm in Northern San Diego. Fresh Origins® is the leading American producer of naturally grown microgreens, petite greens, and edible flowers. The farm utilizes the mild Southern California climate to grow flavorful and showy edible garnishes year-round. The farm also partners with chefs to develop unique items through breed selection and proprietary mixes. Fresh Origins® is a member of the California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement and adheres to strict food safety practices and third-party testing. Today, Micro Sun Daisy™ flowers can be found through select distribution partners of Fresh Origins® across the United States and Canada.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
El Sueno (TAKO) | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort (Pastry) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Pendry SD (Pastry) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Park & Rec | San Diego CA | 619-717-3925 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |