Basil is one of those herbs that you will never want to miss in your kitchen. Basil gives a wonderful taste to your food and is best used fresh unlike most herbs which can also be used when dried.
It has varieties such as cinnamon basil, purple basil and Thai basil. When used ,the cinnamon basil gives a hint of cinnamon in the prepared food. The purple adds more color to your food. Lastly, the Thai basil adds a licorice flavor to your dish.
This plant has been used for so many years and was even thought to be magical at some point.
This is probably why it is a widely grown kitchen herb that has its roots in India and is best used to flavor meats, fish, salads and sauces.
Growing basil is done best from its seed. It grows best in well drained moist soil in very warm environments. Basil is also very sensitive to cold so care should be taken for it not to be exposed to such conditions.
Cuttings of basil can also be easily used to grow it as they easily bring out roots and are a good option to consider when trying to plant basil.
When watering this herb, ensure to water it only when the soil is dry to touch, ensuring to water the base of the plant not the leaves.
Harvesting basil should be done by picking the leaves as soon as the plant grows 6 to 8 inches tall. Harvest the basil early in the morning when the leaves are at their best. Store them best by quick-freezing them and storing in an airtight, reusable plastic bag.
Are there any Substitutes?
In case you find yourself without basil and you really need to use it, a good substitute can be either oregano, tarragon or mint. Care should be taken when using these substitutes. Each comes with their own tastes which should be considered when using them .
Some awesome benefits attributed to this wonderful herb which will make you never miss it in your kitchen are listed below.
Benefits of Basil
- Basil is used to deal with lack of appetite, intestinal gas, vomiting, and constipation. Chewing of basil is encouraged as it helps reduce stomach acidity and maintain alkaline balance which improves digestive health.
- Basil has strong anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating various diseases and disorders. The essential oils in basil lower the risk of heart disease ,rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
- Basil Essential Oil helps cleanse the skin from within. This excellent skin cleanser is perfect for those with oily skin. It helps remove dirt and impurities that clog the pores. Make a paste of basil leaves, sandalwood paste and rose water. Apply the paste on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes then wash it off with cold water. The strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of basil would help prevent formation of acne.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is for information purposes only. If you have any health concerns, seek immediate health advice from a qualified health specialist. I am a not a doctor and shall not be held liable for anything that happens as a result of any use of the information obtained from this website either as a whole or part of.
