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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
SalanovaĀ® Lettuces
SalanovaĀ® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Alfalfa sprouts are grown from the tiny dried beans of the Alfalfa plant. The beans are soaked in water and allowed to sprout over several days. They produce thin white stems that grow to about 5-12 centimeters. Atop the stems are two petite leaves that range in various colors of yellow, brown and light to dark-green depending on light exposure. Alfalfa sprouts have a crunchy, crisp texture with a sweet nutty flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Alfalfa sprouts are available year-round.
Current Facts
Alfalfa sprouts, scientifically known as Medicago sativa are an herbaceous perennial legume and a member of the Fabaceae or pea family. Known also as āThe Queen of all Foragesā the alfalfa plant today is grown predominantly as a feed for cattle known as hay. Today the sprouts of the alfalfa seed are popularly harvested when very young and used in culinary preparations for both their taste, texture and nutritional properties.
Nutritional Value
Alfalfa sprouts are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. They are rich in vitamins K and C and also contain potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron as well. They also contain a high content of phytoestrogens which have been shown to aid in the prevention of heart disease and contain saponins which are being studied for their ability to improve cholesterol health and boost the immune system. Alfalfa sprouts also contains high levels of isoflavone which has been utilized in Chinese medicine to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Applications
Alfalfa sprouts can be used to add texture, moisture and crunch to a variety of culinary preparations. Add to green and grain salads or to sandwiches, quesadillas and wraps. Sprinkle atop omelets and other egg preparations. Combine with fresh herbs and add to soft cheeses, yogurt or butter to add texture and flavor to spreads and dips. Add to green drinks or smoothies for a nutritional boost. Always be sure your sprouts are fresh and that they are washed thoroughly with water before use. The FDA has made recommendations for growers and consumers on how to avoid contamination when selecting and preparing sprouts, consult their website for further details.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The use of Alfalfa in sprouted form as a young shoot is documented in Chinese and European folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of aliments including indigestion, hayfever, anemia, bladder problems and arthritis.
Geography/History
Alfalfa is believed to be native to central Asia and was fist domesticated in Turkey and Iran. Alfalfa has long been used as an important fodder crop worldwide dating back more than 6,000 years as a popular feed for cattle and horses. In its young sprouted form it has been documented for use as a medicine in ancient times but did not come onto the culinary scene as a popular food source for humans until the 1970ās.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Le Papagayo | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| The Wild Thyme Table | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
| Sorority Cuisine - SAE | San Diego CA | 310-402-6195 |
| Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
| Sheldons Service Station | La Mesa CA | 619-741-8577 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 858-273-8440 |
| Coffee and Tea Collective-Uptown (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-564-8086 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-663-9916 |
| Meraki Cafe | San Diego CA | 415-819-2175 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Rubicon Deli 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-519-5656 |
| J & Tonys | San Diego CA | 855-634-7664 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-3003 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Thyme for Something Homemade | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-245-1004 |
| Coin-Op Game Room | San Diego CA | 818-448-0129 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 858-260-5400 |
| The Trails | San Diego CA | 619-667-2233 |
| Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
| Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Soulshine | San Diego CA | 858-886-7252 |
| Pala Mesa Resort | Fallbrook CA | 706-728-5881 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-640-0494 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad - 7 Mile | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Alpha Theta | San Diego CA | 619-339-1924 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| Beach Plum Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-931-1362 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-0083 |
| Scrimshaw Coffee | San Diego CA | 951-663-2207 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Seasalt | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Milk Organics | Vista CA | 760-439-2168 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | San Diego CA | 858-720-9500 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| GoodOnYa | Encinitas CA | 858-344-1605 |
| La Clochette Du Coin | La Jolla CA | 619-402-7911 |
| Claire's on Cedros - SKSB | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
| Ocean Beach Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-729-4045 |
| Lil Farmers Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-430-6553 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| The Greenspot Salad-4sRanch | San Diego CA | 619-865-0386 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-484-3777 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Pure Burger | Carlsbad CA | 760-683-5101 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Local Greens Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-487-9346 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Voltaire Beach House | San Diego CA | 619-574-6878 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Pannikin La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-5453 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Alfalfa Sprout. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Bebe Love Okazu |
|
Kale, Sprout & Avocado Salad |
| Best Juice Recipes |
|
Alfalfa Sprout Juice |
| Food Buddy |
|
Guacamole and Alfalfa Sprouts Sandwich |
| Ezra Pound Cake |
|
California Sandwich |
Recently Shared
People have shared Alfalfa Sprout using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Central market of Athens Greece š¬š·
Nature fresh SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens Greece Y-14 About 182 days ago, 10/01/19 Sharer's comments : Alfa Alfa sprouts š± 
Mount Royal Fine Foods
River Valley Sprouts
Near Duluth, Minnesota, United States9211 Day Valley Dr, Houston 55943 About 519 days ago, 10/29/18 Sharer's comments : Alfalfa Sprouts spotted at Mount Royal Fine Foods. Locally Grown |
