Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is best known for its use in Italian cuisine. But like most culinary herbs, it is also a powerhouse of herbal goodness.
How Does Your Garden Grow
If you are lucky enough to live in growing zones 10-11, then basil is likely a perennial for you. But for most of us, basil is an annual plant. Basil cannot survive the cold seasons and therefore, needs to be replanted every year.
Cooking with Basil
The flavor of basil is described as sweet and pungent. Some varieties taste a bit like licorice (eg. Thai Basil), and there are other versions of basil like Lemon Basil and Holy Basil out there, but that isn't what we are talking about here. Today we are talking about Sweet Basil, aka Italian Basil.
There is nothing like the flavor of fresh basil. If you have tried to substitute dried basil for fresh basil in a recipe, you know this to be true. But there is a time and a place for both.
Fresh Basil - if you are cooking anything remotely Italian-inspired, fresh basil will almost always be a great addition. Basil pairs well with tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, rice, white beans, zucchini, pasta and oil, and garlic (to name a few). A simple dish we often make when serving a crowd and trying to please everyone is whole-grain pasta served with lightly sauteed onion, zucchini, spinach, and garlic. We top it with olive oil and a ton of fresh basil. Easy and delicious. You can also use fresh basil to make a Caprese salad, make pesto, chop it up to top a green tossed salad, and use it to garnish grilled pizza or eggplant parmesan. There are so many options!!!
Dried Basil - I love a sprinkle of dried basil in my eggs. Whether the eggs are scrambled or fried, dried basil elevates the flavor into something special. I also love dried basil in chicken noodle soup. When I was a kid, my parents would doctor up a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup with a sprinkle of basil and it made such a difference to the flavor. These days, I make my own soup; and since I don't eat chicken, I just call my version 'noodle soup'...but I always add dried basil.
I Talk About Basil Here
Herbal Properties and Uses
Like most herbs, Basil doesn't have just one use. It has many! And, most of these benefits are common among all culinary herbs.
Digestive Health - is it a coincidence that most culinary herbs also help support good digestion? I don't think so. If you have issues with gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, maybe consider increasing your use of basil.
Antioxidant - foods high in antioxidants help us age better. Antioxidants prevent cell damage which keeps our skin looking young and healthy, and help prevent diseases like cancer and arthritis.
Antibacterial - feel like you're coming down with a cold? It's time to reach for some basil (and garlic, and thyme, and rosemary). Basil (and many other culinary herbs) help fight infections, keeping us healthy all winter long.
Anti-Inflammatory - Basil decreases inflammation throughout the body. But this can be particularly beneficial to the digestive system if inflammation is causing upset; and also to the nasal passages if infection is causing inflammation and congestion.
How to Use Basil
First of all, cook with it. One of my favorite quotes, attributed to Hippocrates, is...
"Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food."
Make Basil Tea. While this sounds a little weird, it is very tasty. Simply muddle a few basil leaves in a cup or rip them into pieces (either of these methods helps release the natural oils and components of the plant), then pour boiling water over the leaves. Let them steep for 10-15 minutes, strain and enjoy. This is an especially great way to let basil help you fight off cold and flu.
Harvesting and Purchasing
You can easily grow basil in your garden or a container. Basil requires good soil, sunshine, and water. It doesn't handle drought well and cold temperatures are detrimental to basil.
If you grow basil and want to dry some for use during the winter, you can simply cut off leaves and allow them to dry on a towel for a few days. Or you can cut larger pieces of plant to hang upside down and dry.
If gardening is not your things, you can typically buy fresh basil in the produce section of your local grocery store. Given the choice, look for either small potted plants or hydroponic plants vs the leaves packaged in a plastic container. The plants will be fresher and will last much longer.
You can dry some leaves from your purchased plants, or simply buy dried basil from the spice section of your grocery store. If you're lucky, maybe you even have a spice store in your area. When it comes to spices, I recommend spending a little more on higher quality, organic spices. If you can buy a large spice jar for $2, it's probably not good quality. Find the balance between quality and cost and buy the best you can afford.
Disclaimer
Basil is considered safe in reasonable amounts, such as what you would typically eat in a day or a few cups of tea. Keep in mind that more is not better. Consuming too much of any herb can cause an upset stomach and other side effects. Use common sense, and don't overdo it.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. The information provided should not be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before implementing a new herb or herbal remedy.
Allergic reactions can occur and can be serious. If you are struggling to breathe, seek medical attention immediately.
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