Pesto Herbs

What is the Pesto Herbs blend?

Purple and Green Italian Basil

Pesto Herbs is a specialty blend that we grow at our organic farm in Arlington, VA. It includes red sorrel and basil microgreens. 

Red Sorrel

As the name suggests, this herb blend makes a delicious and unique pesto due to the citrusy flavor of red sorrel, combined with the more well-known pesto ingredient, basil. We harvest both the red sorrel and basil when they are young - at the microgreens stage - so they are fresh, flavorful, highly nutritious, and delicate.

What do Pesto Herbs look and taste like? 

Red sorrel is a leafy herb that belongs to the same family as rhubarb and buckwheat. It is often used in culinary applications for its vibrant color and tangy flavor. 

In the mature red sorrel plant, the leaves have a sharp, tangy flavor, similar to lemon or vinegar. Its mature leaves can even be bitter. However, as microgreens, red sorrel is tangy and citrusy without any bitterness.

The basil microgreens have small, delicate, and vibrant green leaves that are smooth and oval-shaped, resembling miniature versions of mature basil leaves. Despite their small size, basil microgreens have an intense basil flavor, which is sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery. 

Pesto Herbs pesto recipe

This citrus-forward pesto recipe is simple, delicious, and versatile. It can be used as a sauce for pasta, to be drizzled on vegetables or meat, as a spread for sandwiches, and more.

Ingredients:

• Area 2 Farms’ Pesto Herbs

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (you can use walnuts too)

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pesto Herbs: Rinse the red sorrel microgreens and basil microgreens thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Toast the Nuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) until they are lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

3. Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the red sorrel microgreens, basil microgreens, toasted nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to combine.

4. Add Olive Oil: With the blender or food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Season: Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your liking. 

6. Serve: You can serve it immediately, or refrigerate it (up to a week), or freeze it for later. 

Pesto Herbs health benefits

There are many benefits of these red sorrel and basil microgreens. 

• Antioxidants: Red sorrel microgreens contain high levels of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by excessive free radicals that can lead to disease.

• Digestive aid: Red sorrel microgreens help your digestion and are a natural diuretic, which can keep you regular and help maintain a healthy urinary tract.

• Immune support: High in vitamins A, C, and E, basil microgreens support a healthy immune system, helping the body to fend off infections and illnesses.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Basil contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds such as eugenol, which can help reduce inflammation.

Area 2 Farms for Locals

Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.