Table of Contents
What can you use basil for?
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.
How is basil used in everyday life?
Not your basic basil
- Use its fresh flowers for bronchitis.
- Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.
- Use the whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Use the pill and ointment form for eczema.
- Use an alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases.
What can I do with fresh cut basil?
Trim the cut ends, put the bunch in a glass, jar, or vase of water that will fit in the fridge, and cover the whole thing, or at least the basil leaves, with a plastic bag. Put the whole in in a refrigerator. Basil kept that way will stay vibrant and green for up to a week.
Can you eat basil leaves Raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What meat goes well with basil?
Basil is a good herb to pair with beef because it is peppery, sort of sweet, and slightly minty. This is an interesting flavor combination to add to savory meats, as it surprises the mouth.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.
Can you eat basil everyday?
Basil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
Basil Contains Powerful Antioxidants One of the best health benefits of Basil is that it is another excellent source of antioxidants as well! Basil contains water soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells. Basil has also been known to help fight free radical damage.
What is the best way to dry basil?
Hang the drying basil in a dimly lit to dark room with low humidity and warm temperatures. The bag will catch dry bits of the leaves as they fall off. You can also dry basil in a food dehydrator. Lay each leaf in a single layer on the racks and allow them to dry in the machine until completely crisp.
What happens if you eat too much basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
What are the health benefits of eating fresh basil?
Nutrient Powerhouse Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids making it quite nutrient rich!
Can I freeze fresh basil?
ANSWER: Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves, but they just need a little help. Basil is a particularly delicate herb because it hates the cold and darkens when cut. Keep in mind any fresh herbs that you freeze will not be entirely the same as fresh. Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable.
What foods go with fresh basil?
Strawberries aren’t the only fruit that pairs well with basil. Basil also goes well with fruit like watermelon, lime, lemon, oranges, mango and other stone fruits. You can simply slice fruit, sprinkle a bit of sugar and grated ginger over them and garnish with torn basil leaves.
What do I do with all this Basil?
Editor: Rachel, one of our favorite ways to use up a lot of basil is just to throw handfuls into pasta or into a stir-fry. Try this Lemony Ricotta Pasta with Basil, or pan-fry some rice noodles with soy sauce, basil, and a little hot sauce for a quick Thai-inspired dish. Here are a couple more ideas, too:
What is Basil used for in cooking?
Basil is a very common ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and chinese cooking . Due to its strong flavor similar to the anise (Pimpinella anisum), it is used as a condiment for curry and soups. It is often used in Mediterranean cooking , where it is used in various meat stews.
How do you cook Basil?
Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly. Crumble & store: Remove the basil from the oven and cool. Crumble the basil leaves and store in airtight containers.