Baby carrots, small oranges, dwarf kale, bite-sized bananas, and mini-cauliflower are not just for kids. These great little fruits and vegetables make for perfect-sized snacks for adults as well. Plus, they are often found on the dining plates at finer restaurants.
Imagine mini radishes atop a spring salad, colorful dwarf kale in a vegetable stir fry or baby beetroots set on the side of a juicy steak — you can see how these tasty little treats add color, interest and variety to many plates, not to mention they often have a tender taste.
“Much of the appeal is their dainty, bite-sized look — they are very decorative and they contribute to the visual experience of the plate,” said Gene McAvoy, county extension director, regional vegetable agent IV, UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension.
Although most of the time the small-sized fruits and veggies are a little more tender and/or a little bit sweeter than their regular-sized versions, it also depends on the variety. Still, even the small versions that may not be so tasty can add a pleasant-looking visual accompaniment, such as miniature pumpkins or gourds set upon a table for a fall feast. Miniatures are more often than not found in gourmet or specialty shops; however, some varieties can be found in grocery stores, especially when in season.
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