Johnny’s Product Managers are weighing in on the National Restaurant Association’s list of this year’s top culinary trends. Last week, Vegetable Product Technician, Steve Bellavia, covered the topic of Hot Peppers. The week prior, Vegetable Product Manager, Pete Zuck and Plant Breeder, John Navazio discussed Root Vegetables. This week, Product Technician, Steven Rodrigue, will be sharing his thoughts on Micro Greens:
Micro Greens
By Steven Rodrigue
Vegetable Product Technician
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| Spicy Micro Mix |
markets and directly to chefs. Not only are they easy to grow, but the quick turnaround from seeding to harvest is a major advantage. The attributes of micro greens that are pleasing to the eye and the palate allow for versatility in the kitchen and inspire chefs with their ability to enhance the presentation of any dish.
Using micro greens in place of finely chopped, full-size greens and herbs allows the consumer to see where the flavor in their meal is coming from. By garnishing with micros, your dish becomes elegant, refined, and subtly sophisticated. Diverse flavor profiles provide micro greens with additional potential beyond garnish. Many of the micros grown from herbs complement desserts superbly with flavors ranging from sweet to tart to licorice-like. In addition to flavor, color and texture are qualities to consider when pairing micro greens with a particular dish.
There are limitless ways for how micro greens can accompany your next meal, but here are just a few:
- As the scaled-down version of herbs and vegetables, use micros on scaled-down versions of meals. Top your miniature burgers with themicro green of your preferred flavor, texture, and color.
- Plan for the holidays: use bright reds and greens for Christmas and arrange micros on your hors d'oeuvre.
- Add a whole new level of garnish and flavor to your cocktails.