Our delicious sunflower shoot microgreens are known for their mild, nutty flavour, with a subtle sweetness and a tender, crunchy texture. They have a delicate but earthy taste that’s often described as a mix between sunflower seeds and fresh greens. Their flavour is not overpowering, but rather smooth and refreshing, making them a versatile addition to a wide range of dishes.
Delicious Pairings for Sunflower Shoot microgreens include:
Salads: Sunflower shoots are a perfect addition to salads, where their crisp texture and nutty flavour complement a variety of greens and vegetables. They pair beautifully with other microgreens, mixed lettuce, arugula, or spinach. For a balanced salad, try combining them with fruits like apples, pears, or citrus, and dress with a light vinaigrette or balsamic reduction. The nutty flavour pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, feta, or shaved parmesan.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Sunflower shoots add a delightful crunch to sandwiches and wraps. They pair wonderfully with ingredients like turkey, chicken, hummus, avocado, or roasted vegetables. Their mild flavour complements rich ingredients like cheese (think brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar), and they work especially well in grain-based wraps like whole wheat or spinach wraps.
Grilled Meats and Fish: Sunflower shoots bring a refreshing crunch and nutty taste that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fish. They are an excellent topping for grilled chicken, beef, lamb, or salmon, providing a light contrast to the richness of the proteins. You can also use them as a garnish for roasted meats like turkey or pork, adding texture and freshness to the dish.
Egg Dishes: The nutty, fresh flavour of sunflower shoots complements egg-based dishes very well. Top scrambled eggs, omelets, or poached eggs with a handful of sunflower shoots. They also work great in a breakfast wrap, paired with avocado and smoked salmon, or as a garnish for egg salad or deviled eggs.
Avocado Dishes: Sunflower shoots pair exceptionally well with avocado. They add a crunchy, slightly nutty contrast to the creamy texture of avocado. Try them on avocado toast, in an avocado salad, or as a topping for guacamole. Their mild flavour enhances the richness of avocado, while providing a crisp, refreshing bite.
Grain Bowls and Buddha Bowls: Sunflower shoots are a fantastic addition to grain bowls, quinoa, couscous, or brown rice-based dishes. They pair well with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets, and can add a fresh element to protein-rich dishes with chickpeas, tofu, or grilled chicken. Their nutty flavour balances out earthy grains and roasted veggies, and they add a lovely crunch when used as a garnish.
Cheese Platters: Sunflower shoots make an excellent addition to a cheese platter. Their nutty, mild flavour complements a variety of cheeses, from sharp cheeses like cheddar to creamy ones like brie or goat cheese. They also pair well with nuts, dried fruits, and crusty bread, making them a perfect garnish for a charcuterie board.
Smoothies: Sunflower shoots can be blended into savory smoothies, especially those with ingredients like cucumber, celery, lemon, and ginger. Their mild, nutty flavour works well with leafy greens like spinach or kale, and they can provide an extra boost of nutrition without overpowering the drink’s other ingredients.
Soups and Stews: Sunflower shoots make a great garnish for soups, adding a refreshing, nutty flavor to hot dishes. They work particularly well on creamy soups like potato leek or tomato bisque, providing a contrast to the richness of the soup. They also pair well with vegetable-based broths, adding a fresh, crunchy element to lighter, broth-based soups like minestrone or chicken soup.
Pasta Dishes: Sunflower shoots can be added to pasta dishes, particularly those with light or creamy sauces. Try them on top of a simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, or pair them with a lemon cream sauce. They also work well in cold pasta salads, offering a refreshing crunch and a nutty undertone that complements the other ingredients.
Dressings and Sauces:
Sunflower shoots work well with creamy dressings like tahini, ranch, or yogurt-based sauces, as their mild flavour complements these rich textures. They also pair well with tangy vinaigrettes, such as lemon or balsamic vinegar-based dressings, which enhance their nutty taste. A light mustard or honey mustard dressing also works well, balancing the nutty flavour with a touch of sweetness.