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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.
AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | |
Mangia Mangia (Mirarmar) | San Diego CA | 858-736-5733 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | |
Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-647-4409 |
Ebullition Brew Works & Gastronomy | Carlsbad CA | 760-504-4492 |
Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
Ambrogio 15 - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 858-291-8650 |
Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 716-946-7953 |
Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
Hotel Del ENO Produce | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Mangia Mangia | Valley Center CA | 619-295-3172 |
Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap | San Diego CA | 619-795-9463 |
Pier 32 Water Front Grill | National City CA | 619-718-6240 |
Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Sushi Exchange | San Diego CA | 619-961-7218 |
The Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One

Rice and Beans Belizan Food Blog |
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Cherry Tomatoes with Micro-Basil and Goat Cheese |