Basil, The Kingly Herd

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Last Update 06/03/08

Basil, The Kingly Herb

Basil Hints and Tips

	Basil likes a well manured soil.
	It loves sunny well drained beds.
	Companion plant your basil with tomatoes. They enjoy each others company and your tomatoes will benefit from the association.
	Basil will retain its flavor better if its flowering tips are pinched off.
	You can grow basil from cuttings.
	At the end of your harvest pull out your basil bushes and hang them upside down in a dry place (e.g. shed or garage). After 7-10 days the leaves will dry nicely. Cut the leaves finely and you've got dried basil for cooking.

If one so desired, one could dedicate one's herb garden solely to the many varieties of Basil that are available. There are many types of Basil with varying scents, flavors, leaf coloration's and habit of growth. Most have culinary uses others are purely ornamental.

Culinary Uses

Basil is an extremely versatile herb to use in many different types of food and styles of cooking. Basil works well with tomato-based dishes, eggplant, zucchini, squash and spinach. It is the main ingredient in many pesto sauces. Basil also goes well with pastas, poultry, veal, fish and shellfish and is an essential ingredient in many vinaigrettes. Basil blends well with other spices such as oregano, lemon, garlic and thyme.

Although native to Southeast Asia and Northeast Africa its greatest usage is in Italy and the Mediterranean regions.

Cultivation

In Florida, basil does well throughout most of the year, even during our torrid summers. It may be started from seeds, grown from cuttings or, if you are in a hurry, purchased as small plants from garden stores and supermarkets. Basil prefers a light to sandy, well-drained soil in full sun and will attain a height of 12" to 2 1/2' depending on the variety.

Source: What Herb Is That?: How to Grow & Use the Culinary Herbs

Pestos! They're not just for pasta any more. These classic herb pastes have been graciously received into the modern world by many who delight in their fresh, intense flavor. Pestos add a new twist to everyday foods, with the cook's imaginations being their only limitation. The Garden Maker's Pesto Garden kit includes four very distinct types of basils, in addition to cilantro and dill that make unique herb pastes during the cooler seasons. Each seed type is packaged in its own glass-topped tin, and the collection is packaged in out exclusive handmade basswood box. Complete instructions on how to successfully grow and cultivate each herb are included. We've also included our favorite recipes for 6 types of pestos.

The Pesto Garden Kit includes: Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Santo Cilantro, Bouquet Dill, stakes, pencil, and cultivating/recipe cards.