Breaking Culinary News, Chefs of the World Who Excel: New item: Hibiscus Calyx & Featured Item: Micro Benitade by Fresh Origins Microgreens Will Highlight the Most Beautiful Plates in the World This November!
The holidays are just around the corner, and festivities around the world will be celebrated with the newest innovations from FRESH ORIGINS, who set the standard in microgreens.
New item: Hibiscus Calyx
Fresh! Not dried. Our new Hibiscus Calyx is the fresh form of Hibiscus, sometimes called Roselle or Jamaica. The calyx is the botanical term for the structure that surrounds and supports the flower and fruiting (seed producing) portion of the plant. Harvested fresh, the flavor is mildly tart, fruity and earthy with a nice crunchy texture. Can be used to complement cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, desserts, or in a cocktail. They are excellent when lightly pickled.
Pickled Hibiscus Calyx Recipe:
2 Cups Hibiscus Calyx
2 Cups brewed Hibiscus Tea
¼ Cup Sugar
¼ Stick Cinnamon
3 Cloves
4 Allspice Berries
1 Cup Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt.
1 Quart Mason jar.
Brew 2 Cups of strong Hibiscus tea and set aside.
In a stainless steel pot, combine the tea, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, vinegar and salt.
Bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Pack the Calyx into a Mason jar.
Cover completely with the pickling brine while straining out the spices.
Cover tightly with the Mason jar lid, turn upside down and refrigerate until cool.
Ideally this should be done at least 24 hrs. ahead to allow the flavors to blend and pickling liquid to take full effect.
Featured Item: Micro Benitade
Bronzy red with a surprising kick! We introduced this a few years ago and everyone who tastes it is amazed. This is a traditional Japanese herb normally served with sashimi. The flavor begins with a mild, almost seaweed note, then, just when you least expect it, it changes from mild to mildly hot, then hotter! It’s not a chili pepper heat, and it’s not a radish heat; it’s more of a black pepper heat. Try it with any seafood, raw or cooked, oyster and other shellfish. A great way to add something unexpected and lively, maybe with fresh fruit.
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
