The Wonders of Basil in Culinary Delights
Welcome to our aromatic journey through the world of basil! This beloved herb has captured hearts and palates alike, enchanting us with its delightful fragrance and diverse flavors. In this blog post, we'll dive into the fascinating world of basil, exploring its various culinary uses and the myriad of tantalizing recipes it inspires.
From classic Italian Genovese basil to exotic Thai basil, this versatile herb comes in a plethora of varieties, each offering a unique twist to elevate your dishes. We'll take a closer look at some of the most popular basil types and discover how they can transform your culinary creations.
We'll delve into delectable basil-infused recipes that range from appetizers to desserts, showcasing how this humble herb can add a burst of freshness and depth to any dish.
So, join us on this aromatic adventure as we embrace the world of basil, savor its essence, and unlock the secrets to creating unforgettable meals with this green gem. Let's embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the magic of basil in all its glorious forms!
Is there anything superior to the timeless basil pesto? It boasts savory, garlicky, creamy, and peppery flavors, making it the perfect smear for any dish.
While pine nuts are traditional in pesto, they can be quite expensive. This recipe offers a delightful alternative by using cashews and walnuts. You can choose any nut that suits your taste. Additionally, this recipe calls for a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto, which enhances the flavors and elevates it to a whole new level.
This recipe embraces the delightful sweetness of summer corn by using a modest amount of dairy and thickening the dish with the luscious juices obtained from scraping down the corn cobs after removing the kernels. The blend of sweet corn and fragrant basil evokes a delightful summer vibe. Prepare this thick and creamy side dish, and it will quickly become one of your favorite corn recipes.
Hands-down, this frosty slush made with peaches, lemon juice, and garden-fresh basil stands as the ultimate lemonade. Its taste embodies the essence of summer like no other.
Basil Varieties at the Nursery
Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil hails as an heirloom variant of sweet basil originating from New Mexico in the United States. In contrast to lemon basil, which belongs to a distinct basil species, Mrs. Burns' lemon basil boasts a more pronounced lemon flavor, larger leaves, and a sturdier plant structure.
Generously incorporate Mrs. Burns’ Basil into rice dishes, poultry, fish, potatoes, and vegetables. Utilize it in dressings and marinades, or relish its abundant leaves by preparing refreshing lemony iced tea.
Holy Basil
While not frequently utilized in cooking, holy basil is renowned for its pepper-like flavor and clove-esque taste. Often referred to as "Bai gkaprow" outside of Thailand, it is a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine.
Sweet Basil
From enhancing the flavors of pasta and pizza to elevating soups and sauces, Sweet Basil adds a delightful touch to salads and even avocado toast.
Chop it up and incorporate it into a salad, place whole leaves on top of pizza,
Top off your desserts for a delightful twist. The possibilities are endless.
Wild Magic Basil
'Wild Magic' Basil is a culinary herb that boasts an exquisite, sweet, and fruity flavor, milder than 'Genovese,' making it a perfect addition to any dinner dish. It’s also a stunning ornamental plant. Its shapely purple-green leaves and nearly black young shoots create a striking contrast with the bright rose-purple, edible blossoms. The blossoms are sterile, so the leaves never get bitter.
Corsican Basil
Originating from Corsica, France, the Corsican Basil features green leaves adorned with purple streaks. Its gentle yet peppery and aromatic flavor makes it an ideal choice for enhancing the taste of sauces and salads.
Amethyst Basil
The leaves offer a delightful sweetness, closely resembling the popular Sweet Genovese Basil. For the best experience, use the leaves in fresh salads or as a sandwich garnish rather than incorporating them into sauce or pesto dishes.
Lemon Basil
Lemon Basil's mildness perfectly complements grilled fish or shrimp, making it an excellent alternative to regular basil for a fresh flavor twist.
Everleaf Thai Towers Basil
This particular cultivar delays flower production by up to 12 weeks compared to other basil varieties, ensuring you won't need to constantly pinch off flowers to maintain an abundant supply of tender basil leaves.
With its boldly assertive flavor, often drawing comparisons to anise, it makes a delightful addition to vegetable platters, offering a delicious accompaniment to spicy salads and chili dips. Moreover, it works wonders in salads and serves as a popular garnish for soups.
Our Soil & Fertilizer Recommendations
Prepare the soil area for in-ground planting with G&B Organics Harvest Supreme and G&B Organics Planting Mix.
For containers, use G&B Organics Potting Soil.
Feed plants with G&B Organics Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer.
Reduce watering needs and weeds with G&B Organics Soil Building Conditioner.