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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/