Basil Plant Uses - Have You Tried These Strange Uses For Basil

Interesting Basil Uses Try adding some bruised leaves to basic cocktails such as gin and tonic, vodka and soda, or even the trendy mojito. Thinking outside of the box, try the herb in a cucumber and basil vodka cocktail, a strawberry and basil margarita; or rhubarb, strawberry, and basil Bellini.

What are the uses of basil plant?

Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.

Can you eat basil straight from the plant?

It's perfectly okay just to pinch the basil from the plant with your fingers. ... The cut stems and leaves are your basil harvest. I have almost a dozen plants and these provide enough basil every time I harvest to make two batches of pesto – one to eat fresh, one for the freezer.

Can you eat raw basil leaves?

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.

What can you do with left over Basil?

Basil Overload

Vinegar and Shrubs. Don't stop at making infused oils with your leftover herbs. ...
Greenest Curry. Basil varieties go way beyond what you see on a caprese salad, and some of the lesser-known types are an integral part of Thai cuisine. ...
Summer Sippers. ...
Better Butter. ...
Herbalize Ice Cream. ...
Kick Up Corn Bread.

What do you eat basil with?

How to Use Basil

Top whole leaves onto pizza.
Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
Blend it into sauces.
Puree it into soups.
Chop it up to add to a salad.
Use it to garnish avocado toast.
Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

Can I eat too much basil?

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

How do you pick basil without killing the plant?

For the best flavor, harvest leaves before flower buds form. Pinch and remove flower buds as soon as you see them. If you leave them on the plant, they may change the taste of basil, making it somewhat bitter. Regularly removing the buds also can help lengthen the life of your basil plant and your harvest season.

How long does a basil plant live?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

When should I cut basil?

When to trim basil

And when trimming basil it's best to start early when the seedlings are about six to eight inches tall and have three to four sets of leaves. At that point, each plant is likely a single stem. I like to pinch that main stem back to a strong set of side shoots, removing about one-third of the plant.

Are you supposed to wash basil?

Wash basil by gently swishing in a bowl of running water. Be sure to remove any blemished leaves at this point as well. Handle basil gently as it will bruise and turn dark quite easily. ... It's very important to remove surface moisture from basil before you hang or bag it to dry.

Who should not take Holy Basil?

You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar. Are trying to get pregnant. Take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.

Is Basil better cooked or raw?

If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.

Can I freeze fresh basil?

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.

What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?

When the leaves are completely dry, place them on a cookie sheet, again single layer and place in the freezer for about two hours. Once they are frozen, place the leaves in a freezer safe container or bag. Careful not to over pack them or they will lose their shape.

What meat does basil go with?

Basil is a good herb to pair with beef because it is peppery, sort of sweet, and slightly minty. This is an interesting flavor combination to add to savory meats, as it surprises the mouth.

What is Genovese basil used for?

Its vigorous, large leaves have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. Genovese basil produces bright green, slightly crinkled leaves that can grow up to 3 inches (7.6 cm.) long. They are excellent for pesto, caprise salad and other dishes that require large, fresh basil leaves.

Is Basil same as Tulsi?

But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. ... The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient.

How long will Basil keep in olive oil?

Other Useful Tips for How to Store Basil

It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.

Can you eat basil everyday?

Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term.

Is Basil a laxative?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study.

What does basil tea do for the body?

Potential Health Benefits of Holy Basil Tea

Holy basil contains bioactive compounds like eugenol, camphene, cineole, and camphor that may help to open your airways and improve breathing. These compounds may also have antimicrobial and antiviral activities that help reduce the duration of common cold and flu symptoms.