Passport to Flavor: Dumplings from Around the Globe

Reimagine Tradition With Vibrant Flavor Pairings

With new global cuisines on the rise, dumplings are popping up on trend-forward menus everywhere to showcase international flair. Fusion cuisines are having a moment of their own, and dumplings offer chefs a unique platform to celebrate cultural cuisines while letting premium ingredients shine through simple preparations.

From Italian tortellini to Chinese xiaolongbao and Spanish empanadas, each region brings its own traditions and flavors. Here’s how you can bring bold global dumpling inspiration to life using Fresh Origins® microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty items.

Italian: Reimagined Ravioli, Gnocchi, and More

Italy has made significant contributions to the world of dumplings, from ricotta-stuffed ravioli to pillowy potato gnocchi swimming in rich sauces. These familiar forms offer a perfect canvas for fresh, elevated ingredients like microgreens. Check out some of our top recommendations for Italian inspired ingredient pairings:

Basil Blossom

Basil Blossom is amazingly aromatic with strong flavors of mint and basil. Its sprigs of dark purple basil flowers make it perfect for elevating rich meats or cheeses. Basil Blossom is also a welcome addition to a variety of Italian pasta dishes, from tortellini to agnolotti. Find more information about Basil Blossom here.

Burrata & Pecorino Tortellini: Whipped Mascarpone, Heirloom Tomato and Red Pepper Coulis, Parmesan, and Basil Blossom
Chef Steven Woerdehoff

Micro Carrot Top

Earthy and feathery, Micro Carrot Top features delicate, frilly green leaves with an intense carrot flavor and aroma. This microgreen is ideal for floating on brothy pastas and topping seafood, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to your dishes with both flavor and visual appeal. Find more information about Micro Carrot Top here.

Peppercorn Mix

Harvested from Peruvian Pepper Trees on the farm, our unique Peppercorn Mix offers colorful peppercorns with a sweet, citrusy, and spicy flavor. Use them as a substitute for black pepper in any Italian dish to impart a unique, fruity, zesty aroma and taste. Find more information about Peppercorn Mix here.

East Asian: Shumai, Gyoza & Bao

East Asian cuisines have perfected the dumpling craft. From gyoza and soup dumplings to mandu and shumai, these formats are adaptable for modern fillings and demand unique ingredients that match their complexity. Explore traditional flavors, reimagined with our selections for East Asian dumplings:

Micro Mizuna

With a mild mustard kick, Micro Mizuna features vibrant green leaves with jagged edges and a vivid appearance. This delicate microgreen adds a subtle tanginess to any dish. With its versatile taste and unique texture, Micro Mizuna is perfect for adding to the filling of gyoza or on top of wontons for a pop of spice. Find more information about Micro Mizuna here.

Pork & Scallion Dumpling: Chili Crisp with Szechuan Peppercorns, Whipped Yellow Bell Cream, Scallion, and Micro Mizuna
Chef Steven Woerdehoff

Micro Leek

Micro Leek features thin, dark green leaves with tiny black seeds attached, offering a mild onion-like taste with a hint of cucumber and less bitterness than scallions. Delicate yet full of aromatic flavor, ideal for finishing pork or vegetable filled dumplings to enhance the notes of leek inside. Find more information about Micro Leek here.

Garlic Flower

Beautiful and pungent, these edible blooms add instant visual drama, and a soft garlic note. Garlic flowers boast small purple blooms derived from the garlic plant and provide a unique opportunity to incorporate classic garlic flavor in new and fresh ways. Find more information about Garlic Flower here.

Spanish: Modern Empanadas & Tapas-Style Dumplings

In Spain and Latin America, empanadas and tapas-friendly stuffed pastries are a savory staple. Whether baked or fried, these handheld bites offer a rich, satisfying base for herbaceous, vibrant microgreens.

Petite® Hearts on Fire™

Petite® Hearts on Fire™ features beautiful green leaves with vibrant red veins and a deliciously tart, citrus flavor. This striking microgreen adds tang and visual interest when plated with empanadas, showcasing their striking appearance to wow guests as they indulge in the handheld delight. Find more information about Petite® Hearts on Fire™ here.

Beef Cheek & Colby Jack Empanada: Heirloom Plum Tomato Pico De Gallo, Aji Amarillo, Chile De Arbol, Cilantro Puree, and Petite® Hearts on Fire™
Chef Steven Woerdehoff

Radish Flower

Rethink the traditional crispy and spicy root veggie and try Radish Flower - offering the same crisp, refreshing, and floral notes in a beautiful and delicate package. Ideal for cutting through rich fillings and levelling up presentation, pair these tiny blooms with a spiced ground beef empanada or a vegetable forward pastry that changes with the seasons. Find more information about Radish Flower here.

Micro Cilantro

A staple for Latin American cooking, our Micro Cilantro is bright, citrusy, and unmistakably fresh. A natural match for rich and heavy meats that require a contrast of fresh and vegetal notes, Micro Cilantro is perfect for both adding to the filling and garnishing on top during the final plating. Find more information about Micro Cilantro here.