Spring Menu Refresh: Introducing Early Spring Vegetables

Fresh Ingredients to Celebrate the Season

With the doom and gloom of the winter months taking a toll on restaurant crowds and consumer spending, there’s no better way to escape the seasonal slump than by shaking things up with fresh spring flavors. As the sun starts to peek over the clouds, crisp spring vegetables shine on menus, claiming their position in the spotlight.

Part 1: Fun Ways to Showcase Spring Vegetables

Let’s be honest, while integral to the overall experience, traditional vegetables are not always the highlight of a superb meal out. However, with optimal flavor and in-season crops, you can let vegetables shine in new ways thanks to Fresh Origins. Think outside of the box and present fresh radish flavor in a unique package with Edible Radish Flower or play with the whimsical presentation of our Tiny Veggies™.

Tiny Veggies™ Radish Mix

Tiny Veggies™ Radish Mix is truly tiny, even smaller than the popular “baby” category of vegetables. Available all year, this mix may include vibrant colors of red, pink, and purple. The flavor is bright and spicy, yet more tender than larger radishes, making them a delightful addition to any dish. Find more information about Tiny Veggies™ Radish Mix here.

Tiny Veggies™️ Radish Mix with a Seared Scallop, Caviar, Vichyssoise, Ramp Oil, and Finger Lime
Chef Dana Francisco of Le Pigeon & Canard - Portland, Oregon

Tiny Veggies™ Carrot

What better way to celebrate the start of spring than by embracing a garden motif on the plate with a playfully small carrot? Adorable in size with a brilliant orange hue and green slender stems attached to feather-y, wispy leaves, Tiny Veggies™ Carrot is perfect for an appetizer spread, charcuterie board or to elevate drinks. Find more information about Tiny Veggies™ Carrot here.

Radish Flower

Radish Flowers are small white and light pink flowers that bring a soft and elegant touch to your dishes. These flowers carry a spicy, strong, and fresh radish flavor that adds a delightful kick. As a perfect topper, they beautifully complement steaks and gourmet salads, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal. Pair them with other spring vegetables for the ultimate display of seasonal flavor. Find more information about Radish Flower here.

Pea Flower

Harvested from the edible pea vine, our Pea Flower comes in a variety of colors ranging from pure white to light pink and dark pink to purple. With a fresh-picked pea flavor, these flowers add both color and taste to a wide range of dishes. Perfect for spring menus, Pea Flowers bring a delightful and vibrant touch to your culinary creations. Find more information about Pea Flower here.

Part 2: Looking to infuse your menu with spring inspiration?

Grown in an optimal climate under the San Diego sun, Fresh Origins® Microgreens and Edible Flowers get a jump start on the spring season, making them the perfect menu addition during the transition from winter to spring. Check out some of our favorite Tiny Veggies™ and Microgreens that encapsulate spring fever.

Pea Shoots Green

Pea Shoots Green feature small green pea leaves with crunchy white stems, delivering a fresh and sweet pea flavor. These vibrant shoots add energy and a burst of color to a variety of seasonal plates, enhancing both the taste and presentation of your dishes. With the simple addition of Pea Shoots Green, you can infuse your menu with the essence of spring. Find more information about Pea Shoots Green here.

Pea Shoots Green with Peas & Roasted Carrots, Truffled Almond, and Grape Gel
Chef Dana Francisco of Le Pigeon & Canard - Portland, Oregon

Petite® Season's Mix™

Petite® Season's Mix™ is Fresh Origins’ signature item, featuring a remarkable mixture of 15 to 20 Petite® sized fresh herbs and greens. This amazing blend offers a fantastic array of colors, shapes, and textures, providing sensational opportunities to enhance the finest dishes. They create bold plate presentations and are ideal for topping meats and seafood or serving as a classy side salad, adding versatility and elegance to any entrée. Find more information about Petite® Season's Mix™ here.

Tiny Veggies™ Crudité Mix™

When one adorably small vegetable is not enough, try Tiny Veggies™ Crudité Mix™. A thoughtful combination of our Tiny Veggies™, this mix includes beets, carrots, onions, leek, parsnip, radishes, turnip, fennel root, and celery. Durable and bursting with flavor, these are perfect for enjoying raw or quick blanching to maintain that excellent crunch and snap. Find more information about Tiny Veggies™ Crudité Mix™ here.

Micro Kale Red

For a healthy addition to lighter spring fare, consider Micro Kale Red. Featuring tiny, attractive light purple stems with green leaves, this Micro Kale variation delivers a delicious and distinct kale taste. Perfect for topping seafood and poultry or adding color and fresh flavor to salads, it’s also a super healthy choice, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium, folate, and potassium. Find more information about Micro Kale Red here.