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Culinary Tips
When basil is dried, it loses much of its original flavor
Dried basil has a shelf life of 1 to 3 years
The herb is too old to use when it has lost its color or does not have a distinct aroma
Dry basil can be stored in the freezer
Rub dry basil between your hands into your dish to help release the oils
Fresh basil can be stored wrapped in a paper towel in a zip lock bag in the crisper for a few days
Fresh basil can be frozen after being blanched
Add fresh basil in the last minute of cooking because heat destroys the flavor
Basil seeds can be soaked until they become gelatinous and used in desserts
Basil is believed to have medicinal benefits
When growing indoors, use a pot that has a drainage area for water to avoid over watering
When your sweet basil plant starts to bloom flowers, prune them off because they will take flavor away from the leaves
You can allow the flowers to bloom in order to gather the seeds to grow more basil plants in the following year
Recipe Links
http://allrecipes.com//Recipes/herbs-and-spices/herbs/basil/Main.aspx
http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/basil.html
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blherb4.htm
http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/delegate.do?fnSearchString=basil&fnSearchType=site
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/