Micro Italian Basil
Inventory, 4 oz : 40.00
This item was last sold on : 03/28/24
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.
Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
UCSD Revelle Catering | La Jolla CA | (858) 822-1208 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Pacific Coast Spirits | Oceanside CA | 925-381-5392 |
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
Seven Seas Roasting Co. | San Diego CA | 619-261-7275 |
Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
Deeply Nourished | San Diego CA | 808-489-7366 |
Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-921-4206 |
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-861-4640 |
Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
Meritage at Callaway, Inc. | Temecula CA | 951-587-8889 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
Don Pietro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7205 |
Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
Poseidon on the Beach | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Barbusa | San Diego CA | 619-297-6333 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One is easiest, three is harder.
Rice and Beans Belizan Food Blog | Cherry Tomatoes with Micro-Basil and Goat Cheese |