Basil

See Recipes with Basil

Storage Tips: In general, fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap Basil in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag, or place it in a tall glass with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. Rinse and thoroughly dry basil leaves before using

Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Chop fresh basil leaves and place in clean ice cub trays. Cover with oil, water, or stock and freeze. When ready to use, simply remove a few cubes and keep the rest in the freezer

Usage Ideas: The basic green variety is an excellent addition to any Asian, Mediterranean, or Indian dish. Try adding it to your favorite pasta sauce, curry, or soup.

Fresh tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Cheese is a classic Italian combine. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a delicious side salad or try it on crusty bread for a meat-free sandwich

Basil contains volatile oils that can be diminished by high heat and long cooking, so add it to your favorite dish at the end for maximum flavor

Combine any variety of basil with garlic and olive for a quick and easy pesto

For an Asian twist, try adding Thai and Opal Basil to your favorite stirfry. These flavors pair well with eggplant, cabbage, and chili peppers, or add a few fresh Basil leaves to your favorite cup of hot tea

Fun Facts: Basil is a good source of vitamin K, iron, and calcium. It also contains the compounds eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which increase the production of dopamine and serotonin in the brain helping to boost ones mood.

The naturals oils in fresh Basil are often used in perfumes.

Do you suffer from motion sickness? Folklore stories claim that infusing fresh Basil leaves into hot tea or cold water and drinking it before your travel will help prevent nausea.

In ancient times, the seeds from Basil plants were thought to be antidote to snake bites. Victims would eat the seeds and place them over the open wounds.

All varieties of Basil are actually members of the peppermint family. Their leaves resemble those of large mint.

While it is now cultivated all over the world, the different varieties of Basil were originally found in Asia and Africa.