Region of Origin
Commodity:
Microgreens
Description & Origin
Microgreens are small tender edible herbs or greens that are harvested as soon as the plant has produced a set of true leaves, which is usually at just 5-10 days old. Microgreens are typically grown in greenhouse or controlled environments and harvested at 1 to 1.5 inches long. Leaf size ranges depending on the item, but can range from as thin as 1/8 inch to as wide as around 1/2 inch. They are of...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Microgreens are rich in the same nutrients that their adult counterparts contain. While some research suggests they can be as much as 40% more nutrient-dense than the mature plant, research is still ongoing on this topic.
Our Varieties
Micro Arugula
Description
Micro arugula has very thin, light green stems. The stem splits into two small leaves at the top, each of which forms a heart shape. Micro arugula offers a distinct sensation of bitter, nutty, tangy, and peppery flavors. It is crisp, but tender.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Micro arugula brings the peppery bite of arugula in a tiny package. It is a great addition to fall salads and sandwiches, particularly richer dishes like onion soup or grilled cheese that need a bite to stand up to the richness.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Micro Basil Italian
Description
Micro basil Italian has pale green stems and bright green leaves. The stem is thin, with two cotyledons shaped like gingko leaves and two true leaves that look like miniature basil leaves in the center. The size of the true leaves can vary in size slightly depending on the plant’s time of harvest. Micro basil is tender with a strong basil flavor.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Micro basil’s pungent, sweet, and anise flavor profile makes it the perfect pairing for classic Italian-American foods like pasta, pizza, and caprese salad.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Micro Bull’s Blood
Description
Micro bull’s blood is the seedling of a popular deep-red variety of heirloom beet. The thin stems are a vivid burgundy color, which fades into the fresh spring green color of its elongated, lancet leaves. Micro bull’s blood has a nutty, earthy, and sweet flavor and a succulent texture.
Variety Tips & Tricks
The deep color and versatile flavor of micro bull’s blood makes it a favorite among chefs. It can be used on a wide range of dishes, but works particularly well with those that might call for beets.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Micro Cilantro
Description
Micro cilantro has a thin, delicate stem. Each plant has two thin, elongated, lancet-shaped leaves and two true leaves that look much like fully mature cilantro leaves in miniature. They have an electric green color and a strong, pungent aroma. The flavor is bright, peppery, grassy, and citrusy.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Micro cilantro is one of the most popular microgreens thanks to its wide availability, bold flavor, and versatility. Their peppery bite pairs well with a range of cuisines including Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese. They are ideal on cold or room temperature dishes. When used to enhance hot dishes, they should be added at the last possible moment before service due to their tendency to wilt.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Micro Rainbow Mix
AKA: Micro Intensity Mix™
Description
Micro rainbow mix is a blend of approximately 10 to 20 micro herbs and greens. Varieties are selected based on availability, but always include a mix of colors (greens, reds, and purples) and texture. The blend of flavors and aromas in the mix is designed to offer interest and complexity without including overpowering items that threaten to outcompete the blend or decrease the versatility of the mix. Each grower offers a distinct twist on the concept of rainbow mix. For instance, Fresh Origins Farm, one of the nation’s largest microgreen growers, produces a popular version of rainbow mix called Micro Intensity Mix™ that brings a wide spectrum of tastes, shapes, colors, and aromas to the table.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Micro rainbow mix is one of the most failsafe ways to incorporate microgreens onto a menu. They can be added to almost any dish, much like a green side salad and can easily make appearances on a wide range of dishes across menu parts, reducing the length of order guides and reducing the risk of shrink on niche varieties used only for a particular dish. They make an attractive and flavorful garnish for dishes as diverse as cream soups, sandwiches, salads, steaks, sushi, appetizers, and more.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Micro Wasabi
Description
Micro wasabi is a tiny edible green with heart-shaped leaves. The stem is very light green in color, while the leaves are a darker color, sometimes with a tinge of pink. Micro wasabi is milder than wasabi root, but still has a sinus-clearing, horseradish-like punch.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Much like an actual wasabi root, micro wasabi is a great complement to seafoods, including sushi and fish dishes. With its heart-shaped and vibrant-colored leaves, it also stands out in soups as an excellent garnish.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
The days of generic microgreens being added to dishes purely to add a sense of occasion are over: the huge diversity of available microgreens allows chefs to select varieties that actually enhance the flavor of each dish. These tiny herbs and greens can add a burst of color, texture, and flavor to dishes across menu parts as a garnish, even dessert. They are most appropriate for use on cold or room temperature dishes. If added to hot items, they should be added at the last minute to prevent wilting. Certain varieties are less likely to wilt than others, so experimentation to find the best item for a dish is essential.
How to Prepare
Microgreens should be washed immediately before use just like other greens, as they may have debris from the growing medium. The best way to wash microgreens is to immerse them in a bowl of cold water and gently swirl. Gently drain and let dry on a towel. Hold in a container lined with damp paper towels, refrigerated.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Store microgreens unwashed in their original sealed container in the refrigerator in an area that will not freeze for the best possible shelf life. Be aware that micro basil may turn brown if exposed to cold temperatures. Try to store this variety in the warmest area of the refrigerator.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Microgreens can be eaten stem, leaf, and all – but their shelf life is short. Order conservatively and use as soon as possible. Compost waste.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
38-40°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F; 55-60°F (Basil)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Micro Basil may turn brown or black if exposed to temperatures lower than 40°F.
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Unknown
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes – High
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Store microgreens away from ethylene-producing items in order to maximize shelf life.
Quality Assessment
Microgreens should be turgid and fresh with no visible sliminess or decay.
Important Handling
Microgreens are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Avoid changes in temperature, which can cause condensation that rapidly speeds decay.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, microgreens may last up to 3-5 days.
