Basil is well known for its strong aroma; however, that aroma can disappear relatively quickly as the herb is cooked. While sweet basil does have a lot in common with other types of basil, it is not exactly the same as Thai basil and others of the 100 or so members of the basil family. If you’re concerned about dust or insects, place your bundle of basil in a paper bag that has several slits in it to allow air circulation. I make this recipe with fresh-picked strawberries and fresh basil grown in my own herb garden. You’ll find my favorite recipes, tips and how to’s for making tasty homemade food & preserves. Remove the basil leaves from their stem. Have a look, stay a while, leave a comment or drop me a line. Trim the ends of the basil stems using a knife or a pair of kitchen shears. This site is all about learning and finding ways to use, preserve and enjoy seasonal foods. Crumble or crush them into the desired size when you’re ready to use your basil in your favorite recipe – not before! You are here: Home / Cooking / Cooking With Basil: The Do’s and Don’ts. Don’t cut your basil with a knife if you can help it. For basil, you generally … Basil sold in the non-summer seasons is also likely to be expensive. As we’re at the height of basil season here, I thought I’d share with you my method for how to keep basil fresh after it has been cut … Some people also believe that cut basil is less flavorful than torn basil. Its similarity to them means that it can be used as a decent or in-a-pinch alternative, but may not be ideal. If you are fond of cooking Mediterranean or Thai food, then you may already know a few things about basil. Use sweet basil primarily for European dishes, particularly those from the Mediterranean region. Make sure the jar is large enough that the basil stems won’t be … The deep red jam, laced with flecks of green basil… Use herbs sparingly when seasoning foods. Here's a, Anyone else enjoy hot pepper and cream cheese on c, As delicious as it looks, this quinoa black bean s, Have you tried making infused vinegars? Gather 4-5 stems of basil and tie together with kitchen string. For herbs with tough stems, such as rosemary, strip the … Do add basil at the right time. If you pull on the leaves from their center, you’ll end up tearing the basil leaves in half. Rotate the water every few days. One of the, What’s your strategy for healthy eating during t, What's your go to method when you need cooked chic, Here’s what’s new in the kitchen - cast and cr, It's time for #GetGettysKitchen, a peek into what', In case you missed our panel discussion on Whole G, Can I interest you in a pomegranate whole grain sa, How many of these whole grains have you tried?⁣, Getty Stewart The Biggest Lie About Basil. Read the Best way to clean Basil and other herbs? Strawberry Basil Jam. This makes the most difference when you are using the basil raw, as in a tomato salad. Instead, it is often better to tear the leaves. A knife’s edge will blacken your basil, which will make it less attractive in raw preparations. 2. I like hanging mine above the tool bench in our garage – it never gets used and there are so many bikes and gardening supplies in there that the car never gets near it! It is a highly aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family and that is readily available in most grocery stores. Do store basil correctly. 18 CommentsWednesday • August 11, 2010 • by michelle. Basil actually likes to be “pruned” and will grow back even bushier when cut. To quickly chop a lot of basil, stack several leaves and roll them into a tight tube. If you cut the leaf, you will break open the cells (some of them, anyway), releasing more flavor. Luckily, Sur La Table national chef Joel Gamoran is stopping by to give us — and you — a crash course on cutting, storing and cooking with fresh herbs. A second method is to lightly coat the basil leaves with oil before stacking them and rolling them. The most familiar type of basil for westerners is commonly known as sweet basil. 6. This herb is also usable when dried. The best place to hang your herbs is an undisturbed, warm, dark and dry spot. I use this same technique for oregano, lavender, thyme, sage, mint, stinging nettle. Caring for your basil plants. Drying basil successfully can be a little tricky. Freezing or making pesto are other sure fire ways to preserve your basil. Wash basil by gently swishing in a bowl of running water. If you're using a chef knife, it's easiest to leave the tip of the … Pruning will also help your herb grow bigger, fuller and healthier. That said, it is not impossible to air dry basil by hanging it. Wilted basil is not the same thing as basil that has been properly dried. The basil… Don’t cut your basil with a knife if you can help it. 5. Keep the leaves as big as you can to retain maximum flavour. This unique sweet and savory jam makes a perfect gift—just add a bright ribbon around the top with a gift tag! Before using, basil should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. Let's put good food on the table! If you do not, you risk getting mold or brown water spots on your leaves – and you really don’t want that! This small shrub can add scented greenery to a favorite corner in your garden.

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