Micro Red Kale
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 0
This item was last sold on : 11/04/24
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Description/Taste
Micro Kale Red is comprised of thin, small, and slender leaves attached to narrow stems. Each leaf has a broad, flat, and heart-shaped appearance, and there may be several leaves attached to the same stem. The bright green leaves also bear a faint line down the leaf’s center, have smooth, curved edges, and are pliable with a crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. The stems are delicate, crunchy, and slim, ranging in color from purple, red, to red-pink. Micro Kale Red contains a fresh, sweet, and nutty flavor with herbal, earthy, peppery, and vegetal nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Kale Red is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Kale 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 slender, crisp greens are an innovative creation developed for chefs to reimagine how different kale varieties are traditionally used. In culinary preparations, kale has been historically viewed as a hardy and toothsome cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Many consumers have polarizing viewpoints of kale due to its texture and flavor, but Micro Kale Red is a modern version of the ancient vegetable, capturing the earthy essence of the mature leaves in a tender, crisp, and delicate way. Micro Kale Red also provides the fresh, vegetal flavoring of kale without the bitterness commonly associated with full-grown varieties. Microgreens have been used for several decades in fine dining establishments as a sustainable, edible, and visually appealing garnish. In the modern day, all types of consumers, including professional chefs and home cooks, have access to microgreens to elevate their culinary preparations. Micro Kale Red can be placed individually on small plates as a procured garnish, or a handful of the greens can be quickly sprinkled across larger preparations for added flavor and textural layers.
Nutritional Value
Micro Kale Red is a source of vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production within the skin. The microgreens also contain calcium to protect bones and teeth, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and other amounts of copper, zinc, iron, and manganese. 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 Kale Red is best used fresh as an edible garnish to showcase the green’s earthy, nutty, and subtly sweet flavor. The microgreens provide increased textural and visual appeal and are traditionally added at the end of cooking as a finishing element to prevent the leaves from wilting. Micro Kale Red can be tossed into salads, used as a bed of greens for seafood, or piled over egg-based dishes, grain bowls, and stir-fries. The microgreens can also be used as a topping over tacos, pizza, and pasta, layered into sandwiches and burgers, stuffed into pitas, stirred into curries and soups, or rolled into sushi. In addition to using Micro Kale Red whole, the greens can be pureed into sauces, dips, and pesto or blended into smoothies and juices. Micro Kale Red pairs well with radishes, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, squash, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower, cheeses such as parmesan, feta, and mozzarella, cranberries, pistachios, and meats including pork, beef, and poultry. The microgreens will generally keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Northwestern Germany, kale is incorporated into traditional recipes served during kohlfahrt, meaning “cabbage tour.” Kale is a staple crop in the region, with records showing the vegetable being served at banquets in the mid-16th century. During the winter, many German residents also label the season as grünkohl season, translating to kale season, and the communities cultivate large quantities of kale for savory stews, soups, and sautés. Kohlfahrten are primarily celebrated in January or February and are a unique event featuring an afternoon of outdoor walking, games and contests, and libations. The day-long event concludes at a local tavern or bar, where hearty meals are served, followed by dancing and late-night merriment. Kale is customarily stewed and served with potatoes, sausages, brats, and other meats as a filling dinner. During the event, a kohlkönig, or cabbage king, is also crowned for the next year and is in charge of planning the next kohlfahrt.
Geography/History
Micro Kale 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 Kale 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 Kale. One is easiest, three is harder.
What We Love Most | Parmesan and Ricotta Cheese Pizza with Pistachios Bacon and Micro Greens | |
Chef De Home | Roasted Acorn Squash, Microgreens and Quinoa Salad | |
Como Come Cami | Chickpea Blinis |