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    Published: Apr 24, 2024 by Stephanie Gravalese · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    All You Need to Know About Basil: From Seed to Plate

    Basil is a rockstar in the kitchen that deserves a spot in every herb garden.

    bunch of basil in a container for basil infused spirit

    Popular examples include Genovese, lemon, lime, purple, and Thai. Genovese is the most popular basil variety. Grow and experiment with several varieties each season!

    Growing Tips

    This annual is easy to grow from seed and will benefit from the frequent harvest.
    Once your basil plants have grown to be about 12 inches tall, pinch off the top leaves about an inch or two above the second set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow into a shorter bushy shape rather than becoming long and leggy. Plant basil in full sun (6-8 hours daily is ideal). Provide afternoon shade in warmer regions.

    Basil likes rich, well-drained soil. So water frequently, but don't let their roots stay super wet.

    Storing and Using Fresh Basil

    person placing basil leaf onto basil vodka gimlet cocktail

    A staple throughout Italy, basil is best used fresh. Just pinch the leaves from the stems and add to pizza, pasta sauces, or salads.

    Trim the basil stem ends for larger harvests and place them like fresh flowers in water. Then, put it in direct sun. A common mistake is to store basil leaves cuttings in the refrigerator because they will turn brown.
    Fresh basil is best added to cooked dishes when you are almost finished because cooking will diminish its wonderful flavor and vibrant color.

    Related: Herb Conversion: A Guide to Converting Fresh to Dried Herbs

    Preserving Basil

    To enjoy basil all winter, turn basil leaves into pesto or preserve it in ice cube trays and top with extra olive oil, then freeze and use 1-2 cubes as a flavor booster.

    Easy Basil Recipes

    Add a kick to your summer gardens with fresh basil. Pinch off a few leaves and you're ready to go! Toss it with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella or your favorite greens for a fast and flavorful dinner.

    C0B0EA61 D9C2 4AB2 AF34 FFFE4DF7EFC1 | Slow Living Kitchen

    Easy Basil Pesto with Almonds

    Some people swear by it as the food of love. Whether that's true or not, you can't deny the heavenly taste of this almond basil pesto.

    Made from basil, almonds, parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil, pesto is a sauce traditionally used to take the edge off a hardy Italian meal. How to make it

    CE04518F 3932 44EF 88E4 DCBE99DEFFBB | Slow Living Kitchen

    How to Make Basil Infused Vodka

    Making your own basil-infused vodka is easy and affordable; all you need is a clear glass jar, vodka, a selection of fresh herbs, and some patience!

    66080068 2236 4DE8 B335 007617AC9665 | Slow Living Kitchen

    Basil Vodka Gimlet Cocktail

    Once you make this basil vodka gimlet recipe, you’ll want to make it all summer long. This is one of my favorite cocktails with vodka because of the freshness of the basil and the brightness of the lime.

    Plus, making your own infused vodka is super easy so you can have a bottle in your freezer at all times!

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    About Stephanie Gravalese

    Hi, I'm Stephanie Gravalese! I'm a food writer, photographer, and recipe developer with a decade of experience in the food industry. Here, I share seasonal recipes, sustainable preservation, and foraging guides for a more intentional kitchen.

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    I'm a food writer, photographer, and recipe developer with a decade of experience in the food industry. Here, I share seasonal recipes, sustainable preservation, and foraging guides for a more intentional kitchen.

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