Micro Mint
Estimated Inventory, 3 oz : 8.00
This item was last sold on : 12/22/24
Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Mint is comprised of 2 to 4 small leaves attached to a slender stem, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length. The delicate green leaves are oval to ovate with lightly serrated, curved edges and prominent veining running through the center. The surface of the leaves is also smooth, pliable, broad, and flat. The leaves are attached to a narrow pale green stem, contributing to the microgreen’s crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. Micro Mint is aromatic and has a robust, fresh flavor composed of subtly sweet, herbaceous, and vegetal notes followed by a cooling aftertaste created by the menthol found within the leaves.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Mint is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and 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 delicate greens provide a mild, sweet, and herbaceous flavor and were specially curated to provide chefs with a unique, edible garnish. Microgreens are generally harvested 1 to 2 weeks after sowing and are gathered at the peak of their growth cycle to ensure optimum flavor and nutritional properties. Micro Mint contributes clean, bright flavors, textures, and whimsical shapes to culinary dishes without overpowering the plate's main components. The cooling microgreens are also versatile, capable of being used in sweet and savory preparations, and the greens elevate the dining experience by presenting clear flavor notes in small, controlled amounts. In addition to culinary dishes, Micro Mint has also become a favored garnish in mixology, providing a modern twist on full-sized mint leaves.
Nutritional Value
Micro Mint is a source of vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, manganese to activate enzymes to digest proteins, and iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen through the bloodstream. The microgreens also contain anti-inflammatory properties and provide lower amounts of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. 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 Mint is best suited as an edible garnish and provides a refreshing, cooling flavor and a crisp bite to both savory and sweet culinary dishes. The tender greens are primarily used as an accent and should be incorporated at the end of plating to prevent the leaves from wilting. Micro Mint can be sprinkled over fruit bowls, yogurts, and salads, stirred into dips, hummus, and spreads, or floated over curries, soups, and stews. The tiny greens can also be mixed into grain bowls and stir-fries, served with seafood, or utilized for its fresh flavor as a modern twist on traditional dishes. Mint is a popular herb in Turkish, Indian, Vietnamese, Greek, and Persian cuisine and is commonly paired with grilled meats, rice dishes, and stuffed vegetables. Micro Mint can be used as a garnish on dolmas, which are stuffed grape leaves that can be served warm or chilled and originated in the Mediterranean region. Micro Mint can also be used in India to make a fresh chutney. Beyond savory preparations, Micro Mint is a popular garnish or accent for tarts, cakes, sorbets, ice cream, and whipped cream. The microgreens can also be stirred into teas, lemonades, and cocktails as an edible garnish. Micro Mint pairs well with fruits such as watermelon, berries, citrus, and pomegranates, meats such as veal, poultry, and turkey, seafood, cucumbers, peas, carrots, summer squash, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, herbs, including basil, lemon balm, tarragon, and parsley, nasturtium, and chocolate. It is recommended to use Micro Mint immediately for the best flavor, quality, and texture. The microgreens will also keep 5 to 7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The name mint can be traced to the river nymph Minthe, also known as Menthe, in Greek mythology. Minthe was a beautiful river nymph who was turned into the herbaceous plant by Persephone, the wife of Hades. Persephone was jealous that Minthe had caught the attention of her husband and sought to turn her into a common-looking plant that man would trample. Hades took pity on the river nymph and gave the plant a pleasing fragrance that attracted humans to it in order for it not to be crushed. This myth led many Ancient Greeks and Romans to believe the scent of mint to be magical. Mint was thought to improve concentration, awaken awareness, increase strength, and contribute to overall health. The leaves were used to mask odors and were incorporated into baths, scattered on the floor, and stewed to create an aromatic scent in the air. The leaves were also bruised and rubbed over the arm to release the essential oils. This was a common practice after bathing, especially for Greek athletes, as they believed that the scent would make them stronger. Mint leaves were also used medicinally to flavor water, steeped into teas to aid in digestion, chewed to freshen breath, and were rubbed on the temples to reduce headaches. Beyond topical applications, the Ancient Greeks and Romans pinned mint leaves to clothing to help control tempers, and the leaves were woven into garlands worn by students, politicians, and house guests to clarify the mind.
Geography/History
Mint is native to temperate regions worldwide, and there are many different species that have been growing wild since ancient times. Over time, these species continued to be globally spread, carried to new regions through migrating peoples, and in the modern-day, many varieties of mint can be found naturalized around the world. Micro Mint was later developed in the late 20th century. The Micro Mint featured in the photograph above was grown 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 Mint 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.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
SD Continuing Education Culinary Arts | 619-719-6924 | |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
La Valle Coastal Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Pastry | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-8455 |
Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
Fox Point Farms (Bakery) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
Bica | San Diego CA | 619-669-5725 |
Parisien Gourmandises | La Jolla CA | 858-352-6552 |
The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
Miguel Angel Mendoza | Maestros Ensenada, | 646-127-0277 |
Blue Water Estate Services | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-720-9831 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
California English | San Diego CA | 727-515-0362 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Mint. One is easiest, three is harder.
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