Basil 101
With the heat outside turning up, you might be wondering what herbs are best to grow indoors during the summer. There are plenty of flavourful options when it comes to summer-loving herbs: including basil, mint, thyme, and parsley. Today we'll be going over the crowd favourite: basil!
With a little bit of care and attention, you can have a beautiful and thriving indoor herb garden all summer long.
Here are some quick tips for caring for basil in your UrbiPod:
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Pinch off flowers: Basil plants will produce small white flowers if they are not pruned regularly. To encourage leaf growth and prevent the plant from going to seed, pinch off any flowers that appear.
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Harvest regularly: Basil leaves can be harvested at any time, but they are most flavorful just before the plant flowers. To harvest, simply snip off the leaves with a pair of scissors or pinch them off with your fingers.
Basil is not only a delicious and fragrant herb, but it is also packed with nutrients and has many potential health benefits. Here are some fun facts about basil:
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Basil is a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as minerals like manganese and iron.
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Basil contains antioxidants that may help protect the body against free radical damage.
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Basil has anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in reducing inflammation in the body.
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Basil is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, constipation, and respiratory problems.
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There are over 60 different varieties of basil, ranging in color from green to purple and in flavor from sweet to spicy. In addition to regular basil, we also offer opal, red rubin, and Thai varieties!
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Basil is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese.
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In some cultures, basil is believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties and is often used in religious ceremonies.
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Basil is often used to flavor salads, sauces, and pestos, and can also be used to make tea.
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Dried basil leaves can be stored for several months in an airtight container, but fresh basil should be used within a few days of harvest to preserve its flavor.
All this talk about basil making you hungry? Here's a quick and easy pesto recipe:
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How:
In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Versatile, easy to grow, and packed with flavour? Basil really is a superstar!
Happy growing!
