In what forms is basil most commonly used?
Sweet Basil (aka genovese basil or common basil) – The most common and widely available form of basil, with a fresh, subtly sweet flavor and aroma. Sweet basil is typically used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
What can Basil be used for in cooking?
How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
What type of basil is best for cooking?
The essence of summer, sweet basil is the widest grown type of basil. It has rounded, cup-shaped leaves with the classic spicy clove flavor beloved by gardeners and cooks. This type includes common and Genovese basils and is the one to grow if you want plenty of leaves for pesto.
Is Basil better raw or cooked?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.
Is eating fresh basil leaves good for you?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil isn’t simply for internal use. When basil’s oils are extracted to make an essential oil, it is used for treating cuts, wounds, and skin infections.
What parts of basil are edible?
Basil (most commonly Thai basil) is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create an interesting flavor in ice cream or chocolates (such as truffles). The leaves are not the only part of basil used in culinary applications, the flower buds have a more subtle flavor and they are edible.
Why are my basil stems Woody?
Woody basil plants simply mean that the plant is protecting itself from the dipping temps. If you bring it inside, give it plenty of light. Production will slow in the winter, but you should still be able to harvest some delectable fresh basil leaves to enliven your winter meals.
Can you cut back a basil plant?
Prune regularly for the best flavor. About every four weeks, prune basil back to just above the bottom two sets of leaves. If the plant is allowed to flower, it will lose flavor.
How do you prune an overgrown basil plant?
Gently hold a flower spike in one hand and run your other hand down the stalk to the next leaf cluster a few inches below the flower spike. Pinch the flower end off the basil stalk just above the leaf cluster. If the stalk is too thick to pinch, use garden shears or scissors to cut it.