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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.
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
Hotel Del ENO Produce | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
Sushi Exchange | San Diego CA | 619-961-7218 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Italian Basil. One

Stirring Stew |
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Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Microgreens |
Recently Shared
Someone shared Micro Italian Basil 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.
![]() ![]() About 720 days ago, 2/08/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh! |