The Art of Focaccia with Chef Joe Sasto

A Culinary Canvas

Few dishes feel as timeless, or as comforting, as focaccia. Rooted in ancient Mediterranean baking traditions, this beloved bread began as a simple mixture of flour, oil, water, and salt, baked over the hearth and shared among families. Over centuries, it evolved into a canvas for regional expression.

Chef Joe Sasto takes that tradition and brings it into a new era of creativity. His rosemary focaccia marries rustic technique with modern artistry, weaving in Red Fife whole wheat for depth, extra-virgin olive oil for richness, and Fresh Origins® Micro Thyme, Micro Oregano, Rosemary Tops, and Edible Flowers Carnation for a burst of color and fragrance. The result is a loaf that feels both familiar and unexpected, comfort elevated through thoughtful ingredients and chef-driven imagination.

In highlighting Chef Sasto’s work, we celebrate more than artisanal bread, but the chefs who transform classic dishes into something inspiring.

Rosemary Focaccia with Edible Flowers Carnation, Micro Thyme, Micro Oregano, Rosemary Tops, Red Fife Whole Wheat, and Olive Oil
Chef Joe Sasto

Carnation

Edible Flowers Carnation displays tender, ruffled blooms in hues of crimson, pink, white, lavender, and purple. Their light, sweet-peppery flavor with a touch of clove adds a crisp, floral note to dishes and drinks. Perfect for brightening desserts and cocktails, they pair especially well with citrus, cucumber, spices, and creamy cheeses. Find more information about Edible Flowers Carnation here.

Micro Thyme

Micro Thyme features beautiful, delicate green leaves with hints of purple on their undersides and a bold, spicy thyme flavor. It's perfect for spicing up any savory dish, floating on soups, or adding flavor to roasted veggies. Use it to accentuate pork and poultry plates, serve with cheese plates, or stuff in gourmet sandwiches. A perfect complement for French cuisine, Micro Thyme delivers the same great thyme flavor without the tough, woody stems! Find more information about Micro Thyme here.

Micro Oregano

Micro Oregano, a classic Italian herb in an adorable micro size, offers a very powerful and spicy taste, even stronger than full-sized oregano. It's wonderful for enhancing Italian dishes, especially pastas and meats, and is great for floating on veggie and cream soups, adding a bold and aromatic flavor to your creations. Find more information about Micro Oregano here.

Rosemary Tops

Our Rosemary Tops are the fresh tips of the attractive evergreen Rosemary herb with numerous needle-like leaves and an incredibly fragrant aroma. Long-lasting and durable, this aroma-therapy herb has a concentrated fresh flavor that complements a wide variety of foods. Frequently used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary is not only an aesthetically pleasing garnish but also a fabulous seasoning when cooked with food. High in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6, rosemary is also said to help with memory and mental focus. Find more information about Rosemary Tops here.