Empress of India
2 oz
$10.00
Royally beautiful. Wonderfully complex. Entirely unforgettable.
There are microgreens that impress, and then there is Empress of India. Named for one of the most regal nasturtium varieties ever cultivated, these extraordinary shoots arrive with a visual drama that stops people mid-conversation — deep blue-green leaves with a velvety bloom, carried on stems that blush from pale green to soft crimson. But the Empress doesn't just look the part. Her flavor is a revelation: an opening that is delicately floral and subtly sweet, followed by a slow-building, wasabi-like pepperiness that lingers with surprising elegance. There is simply nothing else quite like her. Grown with intention at Funguy Sustainable Agriculture in Brighton, MI, Empress of India microgreens are the crown jewel of any serious microgreen collection.
🎨 Visually Unmatched — A True Showstopper The Empress earns her name on appearance alone. The distinctive round, shield-shaped leaves in deep blue-green with a natural waxy bloom, paired with stems that carry a warm blush of color, create a visual profile that is genuinely unlike any other microgreen. On a charcuterie board, a fine dining plate, a cocktail garnish, or a composed salad, Empress of India microgreens don't just finish a dish — they crown it. Guests will ask about them by name before the meal is over.
🌿 Floral Sweetness Meets Peppery Intrigue The flavor journey is the Empress's greatest gift. She opens with a gentle, almost honeyed floral note — soft, inviting, and surprisingly delicate for a nasturtium. Then, with quiet confidence, a clean peppery heat builds on the back palate, reminiscent of watercress and wasabi but more refined, more layered, more interesting. The two profiles don't compete — they converse, creating a complexity that elevates anything they touch. Exceptional with seafood, soft cheeses, honey-dressed salads, smoked salmon, light vinaigrettes, spring risottos, and anywhere floral and spice belong in the same breath.
💪 Nutrient-Rich with a Medicinal Legacy Nasturtium has been revered in herbal medicine traditions for centuries — and modern nutritional science validates that respect. Empress of India microgreens are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, with levels that rival citrus fruits, along with strong concentrations of vitamins A and K, iron, and calcium. They also contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates — the same class of compounds celebrated in broccoli and mustard for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. The Empress nourishes as magnificently as she presents.
Use as a premium finishing green or centerpiece garnish. The leaves and stems are both fully edible and equally flavorful. Handle gently to preserve the natural waxy bloom on the leaves — it is part of what makes the Empress so visually distinctive.