When using fresh basil do you use the stem?
While stems are too tough to use in a recipe that calls for leaves (and can be a little bitter), they make a good addition to soups, sauces and more. One option is to cut them fine and stir them into rice or couscous along with some butter and a little bit of salt.
Can I fry basil?
If you have an abundance of garden basil next summer, you can even fry up a bowl full of basil leaves. Then sprinkle with salt and enjoy them as basil chips!
What to do with Basil after you pick it?
Hand’s down the best way to store basil in to put the bunch in a glass or jar filled with water, just like flowers. Trim the cut ends, put the bunch in a glass, jar, or vase of water that will fit in the fridge, and cover the whole thing, or at least the basil leaves, with a plastic bag.
How do you boil basil?
Simply boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and then skim out the leaves and let the liquid cool.
Do you need to wash fresh basil?
Wash basil by gently swishing in a bowl of running water. … It’s very important to remove surface moisture from basil before you hang or bag it to dry. If you do not, you risk getting mold or brown water spots on your leaves – and you really don’t want that! In other words, dry your basil before you dry it!
How do you know when fresh basil is bad?
Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your basil has gone bad. Some common traits of bad fresh basil are discoloration, a moist texture and a rotten smell. Basil will first become limp and then the green leaves turn black.
How long does it take to fry basil?
Dredge the basil leaves in the batter and fry in small batches, about 1 minute per side or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels and immediately season with salt.
How do you dry basil leaves?
Dry: Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly. Crumble & store: Remove the basil from the oven and cool.
How do you fry fresh herbs?
Simply add about an inch of frying oil (something with high smoke point) to your favorite frying vessel and bring it to a temperature of 375℉. Next, working in batches, place your clean, very dry herbs in the oil for 30 seconds or so, until they stop sizzling and have taken on just a hint of color.
What is the best way to pick fresh basil?
Pick off the tips of each stem – just above a pair of leaves, new shoots will grow from each stem creating a fuller plant. (Picking stems from the base of the plant will encourage tall, lanky plants.) Pinch off any flowers as they start to grow to help encourage your basil plant to grow more leaves.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
When the leaves are completely dry, place them on a cookie sheet, again single layer and place in the freezer for about two hours. Once they are frozen, place the leaves in a freezer safe container or bag. Careful not to over pack them or they will lose their shape.
When should I cut basil?
When to trim basil
And when trimming basil it’s best to start early when the seedlings are about six to eight inches tall and have three to four sets of leaves. At that point, each plant is likely a single stem. I like to pinch that main stem back to a strong set of side shoots, removing about one-third of the plant.
Can I put basil in my water?
Basil is also a great additive to your infused water! It pairs well with both fruits and veggies and adds a fun twist to your water.
Can I eat raw basil?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
How do you cook with fresh basil leaves?
How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.