Micro Italian Basil
Inventory, 4 oz : 36.00
This item was last sold on : 12/07/23
Description/Taste
Micro Italian basil is very small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in height, and has 2-4 bright green leaves that are connected to a pale green stem. The first set of leaves to open, or the cotyledons, have a smooth texture and a rounded spade-shape, while the second pair, or the true leaves, are more oval and resemble a tiny version of mature basil. Micro Italian basil is crisp, tender, and aromatic with a green, subtle clove-like flavor that is followed by a sweet finish with notes of citrus, pepper, and mild anise.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Italian Basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Italian basil is the young, tiny, edible version of one of the most commonly grown herbs and is harvested 14-25 days after sowing. Prized for its pungent yet classic sweet and spicy flavor, Micro Italian basil is predominately used as a garnish on a variety of culinary dishes to add an extra layer of flavor, texture, and aesthetic appeal.
Nutritional Value
Micro Italian basil contains some vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
Applications
Micro Italian basil greens are best suited for raw applications as their delicate nature cannot withstand high heat. The mild and sweet characteristics of Micro Italian basil make it ideal for incorporating into both savory and sweet applications. They can be used as a garnish on pasta, pizza, quiche, soups, green salads, and fruit salads. They can also add flavor to lemonade and fruity cocktails like mojitos, gimlets, or martinis or be combined into dips, dressing, and sauces. Much like mature basil, Micro Italian basil works well with many classic pairings including tomatoes, garlic, onion, corn, and mozzarella cheese, and also pairs well with blueberries, strawberries, apricot, pineapple, nectarines, peaches, watermelon, vanilla, lemon verbena, coconut, honey, ginger, cinnamon, and white chocolate. Micro Italian basil will keep 5-7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Microgreens have recently become a favorite edible garnish for chefs in fine dining restaurants because of their ease of use and increased aesthetic appeal. Consumers today are more aware of the visual presentation of a dish due to social media and the sharing of food photos. With this awareness, restaurants are finding new ways to create unique looking dishes to be promoted over these platforms. Microgreens are also packed with nutrients and provide the consumer with fresh, green flavors year-round without laborious preparation.
Geography/History
Basil is native to India and was introduced to the Mediterranean and Asia via trade routes and immigrants during ancient times. It was then brought to the New World in 1621 with colonists and early settlers. Micro Italian basil was one of the first microgreens produced and became popular in the 1980s-1990s when fine dining restaurants began adding them as a garnish to dishes. Today Micro Italian basil is available through select distributors and at specialty grocers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Chef Taylor Dennis LLC | San Diego CA | 512-470-9323 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Beach Plum Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-688-8682 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Seven Seas Roasting Co. SB | Solana Beach CA | 619-261-7275 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Monarch | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Poseidon on the Beach | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Birds Eye (Prep Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-780-0974 |
| Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Meritage at Callaway, Inc. | Temecula CA | 951-587-8889 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| UCSD Revelle Catering | La Jolla CA | (858) 822-1208 |
| Madam Bonnies | San Diego CA | 619-432-1383 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Salvatore's | San Diego CA | 619-544-1865 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| French Chef at Home | San Diego CA | 619-432-8051 |
| The Taco Stand | San Diego CA | 619-549-9919 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Blue Evolution | Los Altos CA | 6507414074 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Sycuan Casino - Viewpoint | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| My Chef | San Diego CA | 916-217-0049 |
| Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
| Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Seven Seas Roasting Co. | San Diego CA | 619-261-7275 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Oside Kitchen Collaborative | Oceanside CA | 619-807-7161 mike |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Marriott Courtyard - Broadway | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
| Buona Forchetta | San Diego CA | 619-381-4844 |
| Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 619-255-8278 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Delish |
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Zucchini Fritters with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Stewed Grape Tomatoes, and Micro Basil |
