A Guide To Herbs ~ Basil ~

[Snowwark]

Basil

Growing: An annual; grow in full sun; vulnerable to frost.

Flavour Profile: Spicy, sweet, anise (licorice) and clove-like. Purple basil has a more delicate flavour that is clove-like. Other varieties include cinnamon basil, lemon basil, Thai basil and clove basil (great for drying).

Uses: Salads, soups, dips and sauces, stews, rice dishes; frequent addition to Italian tomato dishes; excellent in gazpacho, ratatouille. Good in omelettes, egg salad, cottage cheese; main ingredient of pesto, great with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini. Purple basil makes a beautiful red vinegar.

Note: Leaves are very delicate; handle gently; wash and chop just before using.

Preserving: Dry or freeze. Leaves can also be pureed with olive oil, kept refrigerated in jars, or frozen with oil topping.

http://www.herbselect.com/basil02.jpg

[Mamu]

One of my favorite herbs. Love basil!

While we were in Northern Italy last year. Basil was one of the most popular herbs. Their pesto was delicious. One of our favorites was chestnut gnocchi's with pesto sauce.

Their basil has a mild sweet taste, their olive oil is the best in the world, and the pine nuts and chestnut trees are everywhere. All the ingredients are fresh and you can tell.

[gina2000]

I love making pesto and freezing it. I throw it into everything all winter!

Brings a hint of summer into my kitchen all year round!

[gepetto]

:) My basil came out great this year :) The cilantro is another story.:eek: