Produce Briefs...
Broccoli Romanesco
Offering a distinct, nutty flavor described as more intense than broccoli, this pale, green vegetable looks and tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. Available starting in late summer.
Kaffir Lime Leaves
The kaffir lime tree is a tropical citrus valued for its fragrant leaves and its fruit's peel. The kaffir lime tree has other common names, including kieffer lime, Thai makrut and limau puru. The leaves are known as bai magrood.
Seasons/Availability
Pansie's are available year round, with a peak season in the spring.
Current Facts
Along with violets, pansies are a member of the genus Viola and part of the Violaceae family. There are over 400 species in the genus Viola, most of which have asymmetrical flowers.
Description/Taste
Velvety-textured and offering a slightly sweet flavor similar to wintergreen, the pansy blooms in a wide array of vibrant colors. Having a broad color spectrum for an annual, pansies can be yellow, white, red, orange, purple, pink, lavender, mahogany, blue, apricot or bronze. The flowers may be just a single color or can have two or three colors.
Applications
Pansies make an attractive addition to fruit, green and grain salads. They can be floated atop cold soups, added to salsa and chutney or minced and incorporated into butter or cream cheeses to make an attractive spread. Pansies can be used to add color and a subtle mint flavor to cocktails and teas. Most commonly they are used for ornamental purposed and can be used both candied and fresh atop ice cream, crème brule, tarts, cakes and other delicate pastries.
Geography/History
Members of the Viola genus including pansies are especially favored and cultivated in Europe. "Pansy" is derived from the French word "pensee" meaning thought or remembrance. The pansy plant we are familiar with today is said to have had its beginning in Iver, Buckinghamshire, England. Making their way to North America in the late 1800s, pansies quickly gained popularity.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 619-698-3500 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Heat Bar & Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-546-4328 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Market Creek Events | San Diego CA | 619-527-6161 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| Westin Gaslamp Quarter | San Diego CA | 619-239-2200 |
| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Art Institute of San Diego | San Diego CA | 858-598-1200 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Pansy Flowers. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Pansy Flowers 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.
Little Italy Mercato
Riveras Garden Treasure
Near San Diego, California, United States773-372-6719 About 38 days ago, 1/24/15 Spotter's comments : Pansy Flowers spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Wine Bar @ Rancho La Puerta
Near Tecate, Baja California, MexicoAbout 375 days ago, 2/20/14 Spotter's comments : Pansy Flowers spotted at Wine Bar @ Rancho La Puerta. Natural Products Expo West Anaheim convention cent Near Oceanside, California, United States About 725 days ago, 3/08/13 |
