Adding Culinary Flair with Microgreens and Herb Crystals

Microgreens are tiny leaves of juvenile plants, harvested when the plant is less than 14 days old. Micro greens can offer more nutritional punch than their grown vegetable counterparts. Culinary professionals have embraced microgreens due to their unique look and texture they provide a dish. Growers of specialty produce can grow microgreens from many plants including herbs and vegetables.

Along with microgreens, growers of specialty produce will often cultivate edible flowers and other unique items. Many people are unaware that without going out of their way they can consume a multitude of flowers including: broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes and capers. In addition to these common forms of flowers, many types of blossoms planted in gardens can be edible as well.

Candied flowers like violets were en vogue during the Victorian era, and are still featured on confections today. Flowers grown for consumption must be pesticide free and have a pleasant flavour. Crystallized flowers are flowers that have been coated in a sugar solution then dried. Crystallized flowers are beautiful additions to sweet and savory dishes.

A truly unique product being offered by select growers are herb and basil crystals. Herbs like basil are transformed into basil crystals that add powerful flavor and texture to many dishes. Basil crystals and microgreens are just two ways to expand your culinary horizon.