Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Grower
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.
Micro Italian Basil is available year-round.
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.
Micro Italian basil contains some vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 34...
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
| Fresh Origins | Homepage |
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.
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Sushi Exchange | San Diego CA | 619-961-7218 |
| Sets Kitchen and Bar | San Marcos CA | 970-390-2148 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Monarch | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Sycuan Casino - Viewpoint | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Cevascos | Del Mar CA | 858-880-8105 |
| Mangia Mangia | Valley Center CA | 619-295-3172 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-886-0059 |
| Valentina | Encinitas CA | 207-522-1937 |
| Fused | San Diego CA | 858-946-8551 |
| Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Mr A's Pastry | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 805-638-8367 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| College Cuisine-Pi Beta Phi | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Raki Raki & Co. | San Diego CA | 858-573-2400 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
| Plant Based Meals | San Diego CA | 858-255-0590 |
| Starlite Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| International Smoke Del Mar | San Diego CA | 619-331-4528 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Dash of Savory |
|
Seared Scallops with Cream Basil Pesto |
