What Is Basil Used For?
Basil is a fragrant herb with strong ties to both Italian and Indian cooking. Basil varieties range from teeny fairy basil to large garden variety with leaves large enough to use as wraps in
cooking. Basil also has many varieties of flavors and colors. You can grow plants that are a deep purple, blue or a myriad of greens. There are also many different flavors of basil; sweet, spicy, lemon and even licorice can be found.
Basil likes to be planted with tomatoes. Each plant compliments and enhances the flavor of the other. This companion planting is beautiful as well as tasty. There is no tomato dish that wouldn't benefit from the addition of Basil. It is simply chopped and added right in. Basil is also used as a main ingredient in pesto.
How To Grow Basil
For gardeners, no matter if you have a small window box garden or a large acre farm, basil has plants that will grow well in any size space. Look for a bush basil for a more compact and dwarf habit. Basil is an easy to grow annual so you can grow it straight from seed or start with a few plants. Basil likes well drained soil because it is susceptible to mildew and needs to remain watered but not soaking wet. It is also a good idea to keep larger leaves pinched back. The more airflow around the plant, the healthier for your basil.
Although basil is sometimes found crushed in jars, it doesn't dry well. To store your excess basil for winter's use, puree in a food processor with just enough olive oil to make a paste. Freeze in ice cube trays and then pop the frozen cubes into a gallon size freezer bag.
No matter what size and expertise gardener you are, Basil has a place in your herb garden.
