Micro Italian Basil
Inventory, 4 oz : 23.00
This item was last sold on : 05/14/24
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.
Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Seven Seas Roasting Co. | San Diego CA | 619-261-7275 |
Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 |
Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-921-4206 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
Rose Café | Carlsbad CA | 310-399-0711 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Barbusa | San Diego CA | 619-297-6333 |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
My Chef | San Diego CA | 916-217-0049 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
Copper Kings | San Marcos CA | 323-810-1662 |
Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
Napatini Bistro & Wine Bar | Carlsbad CA | 415-505-5955 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
Pacific Coast Spirits | Oceanside CA | 925-381-5392 |
Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
Hyatt La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-552-1234 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Paradise Point Resort Grab N Go | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
Pendry SD | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
Madam Bonnies | San Diego CA | 619-432-1383 |
SD Continuing Education Culinary Arts | 619-719-6924 | |
Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
Elvira | San Diego CA | 619-560-3800 |
Don Pietro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7205 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Amiga de la Vina | San Diego CA | 619-990-6124 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One is easiest, three is harder.
Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes | Charred Rainbow Beet & Pistachio Salad |