Produce Briefs...
Banana Flowers
Exotic banana flowers are the red-orange to deep purple, pointed, compact heads at the tip end of a forming bunch of bananas. Each bud has large outer petals that protect groups of small white flowers
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Opal basil is available year round.
Current Facts
There are about 150 different species of aromatic annual and perennial basils. Opal basil is a basil cultivar selected as an All American Selections winner because of its bold flavor and intense color that doesn't fade.
Description/Taste
Opal basil has short crinkly and serrated violet-crimson leaves with similar colored veins and stems. It imparts flavors of clove and ginger when eaten raw. Opal basil is more savory than sweet compared to common basil.
Nutritional Value
Basil is well known as a digestive as well as to have antibacterial properties. Its oils are also extracted for their aromatherapy qualities.
Applications
The leaves of the opal basil plant make a great herb vinegar or oil, purple pesto or a garnish for salad. It should be used raw, either whole, chopped or crushed in a paste as it is fragile and cooking it changes its value in flavor and color. Opal basil is delicate and should be used immediately upon purchase.
Geography/History
Basil is any plant of the genus Ocimum. Members of the Labiatae family, basil originated in tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia, Africa and India. Opal basil is grown as an ornamental herb as well as a culinary perennial.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Tuscany | Carlsbad CA | 760-929-8111 |
| Sessions Public | San Diego CA | 619-756-7715 |
| Marriott Marquis & Marina San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 x6113 |
| Real Food & Spirits | Solana Beach CA | 858-793-7325 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Donovan's Downtown | San Diego CA | (619)-237-9700 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Fish Public | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
| The Village at 631 | San Diego CA | 619-255-9405 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Opal Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Opal Basil using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting 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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Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 21 days ago, 5/29/13 Spotter's comments : Her Farm is selling vibrant opal basil today. Grown in Fresno, CA. Available for the next couple months. Gaijin Noodle + Sake House Near San Diego, California, United States About 27 days ago, 5/23/13 Spotter's comments : Opal Basil spotted at Gaijin Noodle + Sake House. very yummy pho |
