Tag: Basil

Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. Are you supposed to cook basil? If a recipe simply calls […]

No Thai Basil? No problem! Some recipes call for Thai basil, a pungent variety that can be hard to find in grocery stores. To duplicate its flavor, use common “Italian” basil and add a few fresh mint sprigs to the recipe. What is a good substitute for Thai basil? If you can’t find Thai basil, […]

Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Thai Basil is an essential ingredient when we make pho, a Vietnamese soup with broth, noodles, meat, and vegetables. But, we also use it liberally in salads, curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. The plants are beautiful with deep green leaves and reddish-purple stems and flowers. Can you use regular basil […]

Italian basil is not a real cultivar (by cultivar I mean “cultural variety”) of basil. “Italian basil” a general term for the types of basil that may be used in Italian cooking. The two types of basil cultivars that are used in Italian cooking include Sweet Basil, the most common cultivar, and Genovese Basil. What […]

Southeast Asia. Thai Basil is native to Southeast Asia, though its exact origin is somewhat debated since its history of cultivation dates back approximately 5,000 years. Is Thai basil from Thailand? Thai basil (Thai: โหระพา, RTGS: horapha, ISO: hōraphā, pronounced [hǒː. rá(ʔ). pʰāː]; Khmer: ជីរនាងវង, chi neang vorng; Vietnamese: húng quế) called káu-chàn-thah (九層塔) in […]

Appearance: Thai basil has purple stems, while sweet basil has green stems. The leaves of Thai basil are narrower than sweet basil leaves and have a slightly serrated edge. Sweet basil leaves also tend to be more delicate than sturdy Thai basil leaves. Can you substitute basil with Thai basil? Can I substitute basil for […]

In terms of taste, Thai basil smells like anise and has a more licorice smell with a slightly spicy taste. Sweet basil has the classic aroma that reminds you of pesto and has more of a clove like. Does Thai basil taste different than basil? But setting looks aside, Thai basil is spicy with an […]

10 Great Ways to Use Up Fresh Basil Pesto. Infused Oil. Appetizers. Vegetable Soups. Salads. Pizza. Fish & Seafood Dishes. Sides. How is basil commonly used in cooking? This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries. Ingredients that are […]

According to Urbanagnews.com, fresh basil can sell for as much as $3 to $4 per ounce or $50 to $60 per pound. What is the value of basil? Nutrients and Plant Compounds Fresh leaves, chopped Dried leaves, crumbled Calories 0.6 5 Vitamin A 3% of the RDI 4% of the RDI Vitamin K 13% of […]

Is basil alkaline or acidic? Basil is alkaline. What is the pH level of basil? Basil has a 8.0 pH level, once digested. Is basil an acid? Rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid and caftaric acid (in the order of most abundant to least; all derivatives of caffeic acid) were identified in fresh basil leaves. Rosmarinic acid […]

How to Dry Fresh Basil Harvest the basil. If you’re drying fresh basil already cut from the plant, you can skip to the second step. Clean the basil. Rinse the stems in cool water. Hang the basil to air-dry. Dry fresh basil in the oven. Place the basil in a food dehydrator. Is it better […]

Some common traits of bad fresh basil are discoloration, a moist texture and a rotten smell. Basil will first become limp and then the green leaves turn black. Dried basil that is going bad will change color from dark green to brown as it looses its natural oils with age. What happens if you eat […]

Harvesting of basil can begin as soon as the plant has at least six sets of leaves. Thereafter, harvest basil as often as needed. Pick basil in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak freshness. Can I pick all the leaves off my basil plant? Don’t pick all the leaves off one […]

The best herbs for infused water are basil and mint. They add bright flavor and color. Plus, they complement fruit well. However, you can also use herbs like lavender, rosemary, hibiscus leaves, or lemon thyme. Is basil in water good for you? Consuming basil could help reduce bloating and water retention. It can even stimulate […]

Potted basil plants require well-drained soil and should not be allowed to stand in a dish of water. Soggy soil attracts small gnats and basil plant flies which are annoying and difficult to remove. Outdoor basil plants are susceptible to whiteflies in spite of their ability to repel domestic house flies. Does basil draw bugs? […]

Wrap a paper towel around the basil and place it in an airtight container or a ziplock plastic bag. Store it in the vegetable crisper alongside other salad greens. Basil should last about two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. How do I store fresh basil leaves? How to Store Fresh […]

Flies on Basil The intense scent and oil in basil and many other herbs are often used to deter common household pests. The pungent herb seems to repel flies and basil pest control has been used since ancient times. Basil is intolerant of cold temperatures and needs a full day of sunlight. Does basil keep […]

Prune all damaged and infected, infested leaves and plants. Spray down resilient plants with the water spray bottle, focusing on the bottom/underside of the leaves. This will knock the thrips off the plant and can be repeated whenever it is needed. What is the best way to kill thrips? Wash Thrips Off Plants With Water […]

Insecticidal Soap. Insecticidal Soap Insecticidal soaps are available in both ready-to-use spray bottles or as concentrate. If you use the former, shake the spray bottle and squirt the soap spray directly on the basil leaves, being sure to coat the lower leaves as well as the upper surfaces. If possible, squirt basil pests directly. Can […]

Neem oil can be used on herbs, but generally speaking, insecticidal soap is a safer option. This is especially true of herbs that are delicate, wispy, or fuzzy (like basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and sage). If applied too liberally or in too-high concentrations, neem oil can damage herbs. Can you spray neem oil on herbs? […]