Basil is often underappreciated for its powerful mental and physical health benefits. This easy-to-grow herb is a great kitchen window plant or an almost-perennial garden herb (depending on your climate!) Basil, ocimum basilicum, has many varieties including cinnamon, lemon, African blue, Tulsi (holy basil), sweet, and anise basil. Sweet basil, or Genovese, is the most commonly grown basil and is often associated with pesto and other Italian dishes, including the caprese salad, a simple and delicious blend of tomatoes, fresh mozzerella, basil leaves, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Native to India and tropical regions of Africa and South East Asia, basil can now be found around the world.
Pesto is a delicious way to utilize and perserve this abundant herb. Simply blend together 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2-3 garlic cloves, 2 Tbs olive oil, pinch of salt and 1/4 - 1/2 cup of pine nuts,pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze for 24 hours. Then pop out the herbal ice cubes and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Use the pesto cubes for pasta dishes, salad dressings, baked chicken or to liven up scrambled eggs, leftover rice or even soup broth!
Basil is an aromatic herb with many reported benefits including stabilizing blood pressure, increasing positive mood and supporting digestive health and immunity. It is easily grown either from seed (once the plant starts to produce flowers/seeds, however, it will lose some of its aromatic/culinary properties as the plant uses more energy to produce seeds instead of essential oils in the leaves) or from propogation. If you snip a sprig of basil and leave in a cup of water for 2 weeks the stem will sprout roots which can be replanted. This is a great way to keep basil indoors over winter months or to share with a friend!
Check out www.pubmed.gov for additional research articles on the many benefits of this delicious and nutrious herb!
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