When dried, cinnamon basil is wonderful in potpourri and can be used in herb/dried flower wreaths. Cooking with cinnamon basil is unique and interesting. You can add it to your tea, use it in jellies, honeys, vinegars and baked goods.
What would you use cinnamon basil for?
Thanks to its cinnamate compound, this basil variety is beneficial against diarrhoea, constipation, kidney problems, cough, headache and warts. The cinnamon flavour makes it a favourite in Thai and Italian cuisines. For maximum, and immediate benefit, a tea infusion using the herb is highly recommended: 4 cups of water.
Is cinnamon basil edible?
Cinnamon Basil is planted for its delicious edible leaves that have a cinnamon-like aroma. It is used in teas, baked goods, stir-fries and much more. Also known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’, this plant is great for baking.
Does cinnamon basil taste like cinnamon?
Description. Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, giving it a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon.
How do you preserve cinnamon basil?
Whole, unwashed Cinnamon basil should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor. The herb can also be stored in a sealed container for 2 to 5 days in the refrigerator, dried and crushed, or frozen for extended use.
How do you dry basil?
You’ll want to dry the basil using short, quick bursts.
- Place a towel on a microwave-plate, then places the leaves on the towel single file, and then another towel on top.
- Microwave in 3×30 second bursts. The basil leaves should shrivel. It’ll continue to dry out even at room temperature thereafter.
What is Cardinal basil?
Cardinal basil leaves are spicier than common basil, with an anise or licorice-like flavor and a spicy aroma. Both the leaves and the reddish-purple leaflike flower bracts are edible and have the best flavor just before the plant flowers, though a bitter taste can develop as soon as the plant blooms.
Does cinnamon basil grow back every year?
Like regular basil (Ocimum basilicum), “cinnamon” basil is a versatile, easy-to-grow herb. Although “cinnamon” basil is often grown as an annual, it is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
What is the difference between cinnamon basil and regular basil?
Cinnamon Basil has a milder basil flavor and pairs well with fruit contributing a slight zing with the cinnamon flavor. It is also a favorite herb in Asian cooking.
Does cinnamon basil spread?
While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor, Cinnamon Basil is also quite ornamental in the garden. Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 18-24 in.
Requirements.
| Hardiness | 9 – 11 What’s My Zone? |
|---|---|
| Spread | 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
How often should you water cinnamon basil?
Water cinnamon basil plants as needed to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Cinnamon basil grown in containers should be watered whenever the top 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of potting mix feels dry. Don’t overwater, as basil is prone to rot in muddy soil conditions.
Is it better to freeze or dry basil?
You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this step. To freeze your basil, pull leaves from stems.
Can fresh basil be frozen for later use?
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 can I do with too much basil?
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Make pesto. Making pesto may be the most obvious answer, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the power of such a vibrant homemade condiment.
- Make cocktails. Know what else basil goes great with?
- Use it in a rehydrating salad.
- Save it.
- Root it.
- Try These Basil Recipes.
What is the best way to preserve basil?
Clean, dry, and chop fresh basil into small pieces or add to a food processor. Add one part salt to the basil, pulsing in the food processor for about 30 seconds. Store your mix in the refrigerator and remove as needed.
What do you do with basil after picking?
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.
How long does dried basil last?
2-3 years
Dried ground herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano last for 2-3 years. If they are dried and stored in their natural, whole form (e.g., basil or bay leaves), then they should last a little longer, about 3-4 years.
What is Christmas basil?
Christmas Basil is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The fragrant pointy dark green leaves are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a pleasant taste and a pleasant fragrance.
Can you eat ornamental basil?
This herb can also be significantly cut back and will happily and quickly produce new growth. Basil flowers are also beautiful and edible. However, if you are growing the basil primarily for using the leaves in culinary dishes, your should keep the flowers cut back. This will ensure the best flavor in the leaves.
How do you use blue spice basil?
Once washed, the leaves can be mixed into fruit and green salads, torn and sprinkled over omelets, soups, and curries, or folded into tomato-based dishes. Blue Spice basil can also add flavor to pesto, marinades, and dressings, or it can be muddled into liquors, sparkling beverages, lemonade, and tea.
Should I cut back basil in winter?
To prune for optimal growth, cut the main stem back to about a quarter of an inch above the bottom set of leaves. Immediately use the clipped leaves in your favorite pasta dish (or a sandwich, if you’re like me) and watch the plant grow new stems and leaves that shoot off from the main stem.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.