Basil microgreens are a unique standout among the vast selection of microgreens for their popularity among professional chefs and home cooks alike. Basil is already a popular herb for many dishes, and as the process of microgreen growing is perfected and the popularity of microgreens as a whole grows, basil microgreens are an accessible produce that is a must-try for those who love basil.
What is the difference between basil microgreens and basil leaves?
Microgreens are harvested right as the first true leaf has grown. This is what gives them their concentration of nutrients and flavor, as microgreens are harvested when the plant begins to store its nutrients to mature. It has been found that microgreens can have 4-40 times the nutritional concentration of mature plants.
This means that basil microgreens are harvested with the smaller, immature leaves; these microgreens have a remarkably intense, concentrated basil flavor in addition to their concentrated nutrients. Despite being more fragile than mature basil leaves, basil microgreens being smaller and softer give them a niche in certain recipes where they’re used as a garnish or gently mixed with other ingredients so they’re not as overpowering as biting into a fully mature basil leaf.
Basil microgreens are also used by those who are health-conscious and looking for greens with a higher concentration of nutrients. It’s easier to use a higher measurement of basil microgreens than mature basil for some dishes, so dishes like pizza or pasta may add far more leafy greens while maintaining the sweet taste of basil.
For more information about microgreens, please see “What are Microgreens?”
Can I cook with basil microgreens the same as basil leaves?
Basil microgreens can be used in most recipes that call for basil leaves! However, the leaves are more delicate and thus can’t be cooked, or else they lose their flavor and nutrients. That is the biggest downside and should be considered before using basil microgreens.
Basil microgreens are still perfect for a garnish, addition after the dish has been cooked, or ingredient with non-cooked dishes. Smaller and more delicate leaves balance the basil flavor and are tasty in soups, pasta, or pesto.
For a dish like pizza, basil microgreens should be added after the pizza has been cooked. One way to add microgreens to pizza is to mix the microgreens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a little Parmesan cheese, and then spread even.
Basil microgreens can even be used to season meats after cooking, such as chicken or fish.
Why are basil microgreens so popular with chefs?
In addition to their flavor, microgreens have a nice presentation. Their tiny light green leaves and thin white stems are visually appealing as a garnish and add flavor to a meal. As stated above, there are benefits to basil microgreens in cooking over basil due to their delicate leaves.
With their utility, they’re among our collection of the best microgreens for chefs. Jaks Family Farms offers basil microgreens at bulk wholesale.
Where can I get basil microgreens?
Basil microgreens can be easily bought at local farmers' markets or local grocery stores. Buying microgreens fresh is the best because basil microgreens have a shorter shelf life due to their delicate leaves.
