Basil
General Information
Basil is one fresh herb that has inspired quite a cult following. It is used to season many Italian and Asian dishes. It is a warm season crop that does not like cool temperatures in the field - so enjoy it while you can during the hot summer days.
Storage Information
Fresh leaves do not store well and should be used in a couple of days. They do not tolerate cold well and might turn black from cold injury in your refrigerator. Your best bet is to keep fresh leaves in an open plastic bag in a cool spot on your kitchen counter. For longer storage, leaves can be dried or frozen.
Cooking Suggestions
Chopped basil can be used to season soups, sauces, stir-fries and stews. Let your imagination run wild.
Add whole leaves to sandwiches.
Slice fresh tomatoes onto toast and broil for a few minutes until the tomato starts to become soft then cover with fresh basil and cheese and broil again to melt the cheese. This makes the most incredible grilled cheese sandwich.
Puree with oil and nuts to make pesto.
Pesto or pureed basil can be frozen in ice cube trays. Once frozen place cubes in an air tight container. Will keep for months. Just pop out the amount you need for any recipe.
Recipes
Chard with Pine Nuts Parmesan and Basil
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Zucchini
Curried Eggplant and Green Beans
Green Beans with Tomatoes and Basil
Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stacks
Indirect Grill Eggplant Rounds
Light Chicken and Squash Lasagna
**Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce**
Southeast Asian Coconut Zucchini
Spaghetti with Zucchini and Lemon
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Bolognese
Stewed Tomatoes with Butter Toasted Croutons