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Monthly Archives: August 2014

Aug 12
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What Are Microgreens? How Are They Commonly Used?

By | MicroGreens, Uncategorized | 1,033 Comments

One of the big revolutions in the kitchen over the last two decades has been the rise in popularity of microgreens (and edible flowers). Used in the kitchens of home cooks and Michelin-starred chefs alike, this specialty produce is known for delivering big flavor in little packages. However, even with their popularity, many are left asking “what are microgreens?”

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are tiny versions of many common herbs and vegetables.  They are very young seedlings that are harvested when they reach about one to one and a half inches in height.

What Are the Common Uses of Micro Greens and Edible Flower Petals?

Knowing the answer to “what are microgreens” only goes so far. Using microgreens to add flavor and color to a dish can be a great finishing touch.   Edible Flowers can also be used in a range of creative, delicious ways.

  • Edible Flowers for Cake Decorating and More

Like microgreens, edible flowers are increasingly common in kitchens across the United States. Taste of Home regularly writes about interesting ways to implement edible flowers into home cooking. They make a beautiful, flavorful addition to any cake, salad, or soup, for example. Edible flowers are also frequently used to add a floral bouquet to vinegar, dressing, cheese, and butter.

Many people are looking for ways to add freshness and flavor to their favorite foods.  Microgreens and Edible Flowers offer an adventurous way to do this.

Aug 12
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Edible Flowers, the Latest Culinary Craze? Things You Should Know About This Growing Trend

By | Edible Flowers, Uncategorized | 1,458 Comments

Did you know that edible flowers might seem to be the next culinary craze? What’s Cooking America details how adding flowers (and microgreens) to various dishes is becoming a popular way to add intriguing taste and delicate color to meal arrangements.

In the book A Feast of Flowers, F. Tillona Strowridge details how the practice of eating flowers stems from multiple cultures over the past several centuries. Today, it’s a trend among chefs and novice cooks alike. Interested in adding Edible Flowers to your next dinner? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. What do Flowers Taste Like?

You might not realize it, but in all likelihood, you’ve consumed flowers before. Broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, and capers are all types of flowers. Most people, of course, want to decorate with more colorful and traditional flowers. Nasturtium is a popular edible flower choice, and Home Cooking says that it has a peppery yet sweet taste. Flowers can be served fresh, or crystallized, in which case they will be more sweet than not. Crystallized edible flowers are coated in sugar then dried. The sugar act as a preservative so that the flowers can be used over a longer range of time.

2. What Can I Use Edible Blossoms For?

Flowers are used as a flavorful, beautiful addition for everything from salads to cupcakes. Sugar flowers or Crystallized Flowers in particular are a popular choice for wedding cakes. The majority of wedding cakes already rely on floral designs, and crystallized, real flowers allow couples to take their cake one step further.

How would you use edible flowers? Let us know in the comments!

Aug 12
0

How to Use Microgreens to Add Flavor to Your Meals

By | MicroGreens, Uncategorized | 796 Comments

Microgreens are tiny versions of mature vegetables and herbs with a ton of flavor that can add both beauty and freshness to any plate.  Microgreens have been used for about 20 years in fine dining restaurants and are a great way to add that fresh from the garden element to your cuisine.

Microgreens, you say? I’ve never heard of them. What are microgreens?

Usually less an inch and a half in height, and a half an inch to one inch across the top, microgreen are seedlings specifically grown to be harvested at a very young stage of growth.  You can think of them as little siblings to the full-size versions of cilantro, beets, kale, mustard, basil and other popular vegetables and herbs.

What’s the advantage of having smaller-than-usual herbs and vegetables?

For one thing, these little microgreens can add excellent flavor and vibrant colors to a number of dishes.  Microgreens aren’t some kind of flavorless aesthetic tool — instead, they add flavor notes to whichever dish they’re served with.

So how do I choose the right microgreens?

Microgreens respond to the environment in which they are grown.  The best quality comes from growing in bright natural sunshine, as opposed to artificial lighting.  Be sure the grower has a third-party-audited food safety program in place.  Check the quality.  Avoid microgreens that are too soft, have long skinny stems and tiny leaves.  These will lack flavor, color and shelf-life.

In short, if you’d like to add some freshness for your dishes, get the essence of freshness and beauty with a touch of microgreens.