Microgreens are popping up everywhere from on top of sandwiches, steeped in teas and blended in smoothies. But what are these adorable teeny tiny greens?
Microgreens, a superfood packed with nutritional benefits, are vegetable greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves — the embryonic leaves — have fully developed, and the first true leaves have emerged. The plant becomes a microgreen.
Microgreens are used as a nutritional supplement, as a visual enhancement, and for added texture to dishes. Microgreens can add sweetness and spiciness to foods. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
On Wednesday, May 5, 2021 I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Carina and Alvaro from Ortaliza Farms in Kingsville, Ontario located on 25 Main Street West.
A lovely young couple who immigrated to Canada five years ago with a dream. Their dream turned to reality as they opened their beautiful store in March, 2020.
They offer over 30 varieties of harvested microgreens to choose from. These beauties are fresh, pesticide-free and you can enjoy them year round — whether you decide to stop into their store front location or enroll in their farm-to-table program.
They have a program where you can have fresh greens delivered to your home. I encourage you to explore the Friend of the Farm program. Please check out their website for information at Ortaliza.ca
Carina Biacchi and I had a pleasant afternoon sampling a variety of delicious microgreens as we chatted and exchanged few recipe ideas. She is a passionate business owner who eloquently shares her belief that microgreens are nutritious, eco-friendly with less food waste, and provide food diversity.
It was a vibrant connection and I look forward to incorporating microgreens in many of my future meals.
If you allow yourself to be open-minded and give these greens a chance, you will absolutely fall in love with microgreens. Don’t forget to stop by Ortaliza Farms and pick up some microgreens. Trust me, you might surprise yourself. I hope you visit this impressive store.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Recipe: lunch, dinner
Ingredients
– ground beef (1 lb)
– 1 small onion
– 1 large carrot shredded
– 2 celery stalks diced finely
– 1 jar of tomato sauce
– Sarafino Passata
(Remark Farms)
– spaghetti
(Remark Farms)
– basil micro greens
(Ortaliza Farms)
– 2 tbsps EVOO
– salt
– red pepper flakes (optional)
– parmigiano cheese
(Galati Cheese)
Instructions
In a large skillet you’re going to sauté onion, and brown the ground beef.
Using the same pan with all that wonderful flavor, you’ll add celery and carrot and 2 tbsps of olive oil.
Give it a good stir to combine and then add tomato passata to cook over medium low heat until the sauce thickens. This should only take about a half hour or so.
Add al dente spaghetti to the sauce.
(TIP—always add pasta to sauce to evenly coat the pasta.)
Add a generous amount of parmigiano cheese.
(Galati Cheese)
Top with basil micro greens
(Ortaliza Farms)
Plate and enjoy!
Buono Appetito!
You can find this recipe at @r.b.m.cooking
All photos provided by Rosa Basile-Marrello
What a great write up. Would definitely love to visit Ortaliza Farms when I’m in the area. Their product looks amazing. Love your latest recipes, can’t wait to see what you cook up next !!
I can’t wait to take you Linda! ❤️
Rosa was always a light at our school! It’s great to see her putting that same passion into supporting local and sharing her love of cooking.
Thank you Santina!
These words mean a lot to me. ❤️
What great dish this was, so tasty! 😋
Love your article on microgreens!
They enhance and complement any dish.
Bolognese is one of my favourites!!! I must say I have never tried micro greens. That is definitely something I will be trying real soon. Thank you Rosa for the insightful article on these micro greens! And thank you for the recipe too… looks amazing and delicious!