Micro Chamomile
Inventory, 4 oz : 0
This item was last sold on : 09/09/24
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Description/Taste
Micro Chamomile is comprised of branching, feathery leaves attached to slender stems. The delicate green leaves have a frilled, fern-like appearance, with multiple, narrow leaflets forming on opposites sides of the stem that are smooth, pliable, and flat. The leaves also have an airy texture as the spreading leaflets expand in all directions, giving the microgreen a light, voluminous nature. The central, pale green stem connects the leaflets, contributing to the microgreen’s crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. Micro Chamomile bears a faint apple aroma and has a mild, subtly sweet flavor with fresh, herbal, and grassy notes.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Chamomile is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Chamomile consists of young, edible seedlings that are a part of a line of specialty microgreens grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. Chamomile, botanically classified as Matricaria chamomilla, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and has been growing wild since ancient times. Historically, the herb was harvested for its scented, white flowers and was famous for its use in tea. Today, chefs have turned to use the delicate, young leaves as a modern, culinary twist on classic Chamomile flavors. Micro Chamomile bears a mild and subtle grassy taste and was selectively curated by Fresh Origins to provide chefs with a unique, edible garnish. Micro Chamomile is generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing, ensuring the greens have a tender consistency. The microgreens are also gathered at the peak of their growth cycle to guarantee optimum flavor and nutritional content. Micro Chamomile can be used to elevate in-house dining, complementing both sweet and savory dishes without overpowering the plate’s main flavor profile. It can also be incorporated as a takeout garnish.
Nutritional Value
Micro Chamomile contains antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage and provides calming properties to relax the mind and body. The microgreens may also have lower amounts of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium to promote overall daily health.
Applications
Micro Chamomile has a subtle, grassy flavor best suited as an edible garnish. The microgreens are showcased when consumed fresh in both sweet and savory dishes and should be added at the end of preparations to avoid wilting. Micro Chamomile can be dressed in olive oil and citrus juice to create a balanced, mild, and tangy accent and is commonly topped over seafood, especially fish and scallops. The tiny greens can also be infused into salad dressings and syrups for a light, herbal flavor, or they can be chopped and mixed into dips, sauces, and spreads. Micro Chamomile is often used in salads, sprinkled over flatbreads, stirred into cream-based pasta dishes, or combined into mayonnaise and spread on sandwiches. Beyond savory dishes, Micro Chamomile can be used as a garnish and flavor enhancer in beverages such as tea, lemonade, and cocktails, or the feathery greens can be used to elevate the visual presentation of ice creams, cakes, custards, muffins, and tarts. Micro Chamomile pairs well with citrus, including lemon, oranges, limes, and yuzu, scallions, bell peppers, seafood, garlic, lavender, mint, agave, and honey. The tiny microgreens will generally keep 5 to 7 days stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Chamomile is considered one of the most widely used herbs worldwide and is primarily known for creating a calming and relaxing tea. The first known mention of Chamomile can be traced to an Egyptian document dating back to 1550 BCE. Ebers Papyrus is a medical text recording the practices used among the Ancient Egyptians. Within the document, there are 700 remedies ranging from protecting against disease, medical disorders, parasite treatments to burns, and detailed descriptions of the heart and circulatory system are listed to better understand the inner workings of the body. It is unknown who wrote Ebers Papyrus, but legend states that the text was discovered buried with a mummy in the Theban necropolis, uncovered in the 19th century. Chamomile was also used in Ancient Egypt to embalm the dead, utilized as an offering to Ra, the sun god, and was topically applied in cosmetics, lotions, and oils.
Geography/History
Chamomile is a well-known, fragrant herb growing wild in parks, pastures, fields, along roadsides, and in home gardens around the world. Micro Chamomile was developed from mature Chamomile plants at Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California, the leading American producer of naturally grown microgreens since the mid-1990s. Fresh Origins uses the mild, Southern California climate year-round to produce over 115 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. Micro Chamomile 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 Chamomile. One is easiest, three is harder.