Grower
Micro Italian Basil has 2 to 4 bright green leaves that sprout from pale lime green stems. The first set of leaves to open, or the cotyledons, have a rounded spade-shape while the latter pair are more oval and resemble a tiny version of mature basil. The plants range from 3 to 5 centimeters in height and are entirely edible, stem and all. Italian basil is the preferred variety for making classic pesto sauce, and this micro green offers a milder and sweeter version of that balance between citrus, pepper and mild anise finish.
Micro Italian Basil is available year-round.
Italian basil is probably the most commonly grown variety of the almost 150 different cultivars of basil within the Ocimum basilicum species. Micro Italian Basil, also commonly referred to as a Sweet or Genovese type basil, is harvested within just a few weeks of sowing and is prized for its pungent yet classic sweet and spicy flavor. A 2012 scientific study of the nutrients found in microgreens discovered that the cotyledon leaves, or the first leaves to emerge from a seedling, had anywhere between 4 to 40 times higher the concentration of nutrients than their mature counterparts.
Micro Italian Basil is a great source of vitamins A, C and K, calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Much like mature basil, Micro Italian Basil works well with many classic pairings including tomatoes, garlic, onion, corn, and mozzarella cheese. The mild and sweet characteristics of Micro Italian Basil make it ideal for incorporating into sweet applications; pairing well with blueberries, strawberries, apricot, pineapple, nectarines, peaches, watermelon, vanilla, lemon verbena, coconut, honey, ginger, cinnamon, white chocolate, and even fruity cocktails like mojitos, gimlets or martinis. Like most microgreens, Micro Italian Basil is intended for raw preparations, specifically as a garnish, as the delicate leaves will wilt if exposed to prolonged heat. They should be refrigerated in a sealed container and added only at the very final stage of finishing a dish.
Microgreens have come to be a favorite edible garnish for most restaurant chefs in fine dining restaurants because of its ease of use and how quickly it allows them to complement the main flavors of a dish while enhancing the visual experience. Micro Italian Basil is popular in Italian and Thai cuisine but has spread to other cultures as well as an increased use in craft cocktails.
Micro Italian Basil became popular in fine dining restaurants in the 1990s. The plants thrive in heat and require plenty of sunlight to grow. Usually cultivated in greenhouses, basil needs good ventilation and too much humidity can kill the plant. Micro Italian Basil is cut right above the soil when it has reached a height of approximately 5 centimeters.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
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Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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Description/Taste
Micro Italian Basil has 2 to 4 bright green leaves that sprout from pale lime green stems. The first set of leaves to open, or the cotyledons, have a rounded spade-shape while the latter pair are more oval and resemble a tiny version of mature basil. The plants range from 3 to 5 centimeters in height and are entirely edible, stem and all. Italian basil is the preferred variety for making classic pesto sauce, and this micro green offers a milder and sweeter version of that balance between citrus, pepper and mild anise finish.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Italian Basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Italian basil is probably the most commonly grown variety of the almost 150 different cultivars of basil within the Ocimum basilicum species. Micro Italian Basil, also commonly referred to as a Sweet or Genovese type basil, is harvested within just a few weeks of sowing and is prized for its pungent yet classic sweet and spicy flavor. A 2012 scientific study of the nutrients found in microgreens discovered that the cotyledon leaves, or the first leaves to emerge from a seedling, had anywhere between 4 to 40 times higher the concentration of nutrients than their mature counterparts.
Nutritional Value
Micro Italian Basil is a great source of vitamins A, C and K, calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Applications
Much like mature basil, Micro Italian Basil works well with many classic pairings including tomatoes, garlic, onion, corn, and mozzarella cheese. The mild and sweet characteristics of Micro Italian Basil make it ideal for incorporating into sweet applications; pairing well with blueberries, strawberries, apricot, pineapple, nectarines, peaches, watermelon, vanilla, lemon verbena, coconut, honey, ginger, cinnamon, white chocolate, and even fruity cocktails like mojitos, gimlets or martinis. Like most microgreens, Micro Italian Basil is intended for raw preparations, specifically as a garnish, as the delicate leaves will wilt if exposed to prolonged heat. They should be refrigerated in a sealed container and added only at the very final stage of finishing a dish.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Microgreens have come to be a favorite edible garnish for most restaurant chefs in fine dining restaurants because of its ease of use and how quickly it allows them to complement the main flavors of a dish while enhancing the visual experience. Micro Italian Basil is popular in Italian and Thai cuisine but has spread to other cultures as well as an increased use in craft cocktails.
Geography/History
Micro Italian Basil became popular in fine dining restaurants in the 1990s. The plants thrive in heat and require plenty of sunlight to grow. Usually cultivated in greenhouses, basil needs good ventilation and too much humidity can kill the plant. Micro Italian Basil is cut right above the soil when it has reached a height of approximately 5 centimeters.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Marriott Courtyard Nolen | San Diego CA | 619-544-1004 |
| Marriott Marquis North Tower | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| Pacific Beach Ale House | San Diego CA | 858-581-2337 |
| Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2970 |
| Lauberge Del MarLauberge | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| JSIX American restaurant & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| The Healing Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-807-9911 |
| Parakeet cafe | La Jolla CA | 619-578-1040 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-356-9925 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-3700 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Belmont Park Entertainment | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Florent | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Waypoint Public | San Diego CA | 619-255-8778 |
| Pascucci Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-285-8000 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Pop Pie Co. | San Diego CA | 619-900-4743 |
| Maretalia Ristorante | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Searsucker Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-5700 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Father Joe's Villages | San Diego | 619-233-8500 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 619-291-1220 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-350-3400 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Hyatt La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-552-1234 |
| Vineyard Gourmet Catering | Temecula CA | 951-858-1585 |
| Juniper & Ivy Bar | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Local Tap House & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-547-1469 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Dolce at the Highlands 2018 | San Diego CA | 858-847-2740 |
| Fireside by The Patio | San Diego CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Cow by Bear | San Diego CA | 415-565-9989 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Fishmonger's Market | San Diego CA | 619-646-5238 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Gaslamp Union Kitchen & Tap | San Diego CA | 619-795-9463 |
| Art Institute of San Diego | San Diego CA | 858-598-1200 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 858-273-8440 |
| Dolce at the Highlands | San Diego CA | 858-847-2740 |
| Brooklyn Girl | San Diego CA | 619-296-4600 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Nectarine Grove | Encinitas CA | 760-944-4525 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
