Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil comes in many varieties, including sweet basil, purple basil, Thai basil, and Lemon basil. Sweet basil is the most common varietal and the one most frequently used in Western cooking. Sweet basil has large, green, tender leaves; it sprouts tiny white blossoms in late summer; and it tastes of anise and cloves.

Basil is an extremely popular herb that plays a role in cuisines from all around the globe. In the Mediterranean, fresh basil leaves are blended with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, and parmesan cheese to make pesto, a vibrant, slightly spicy topping for pasta, bruschetta, and pizza. In France, fresh basil is combined with olive oil, and garlic to create pistou, a rich sauce that is drizzled over vegetable and seafood soups. Used as a garnish, freshly chopped basil leaves are an easy way to spruce up salads and pastas, soups and even casseroles.

Basil has long been believed to heal all kinds of ailments, including kidney and liver problems, headaches, colds, even infertility. These days, basil is valued because it is high in Vitamin K, an important nutrient for a healthy vascular system. Basil is also a good source of antioxidants.

Because a cold snap can easily kill off young plants, basil seeds do best when sown at the end of spring or the beginning of summer. Basil needs light soil that is basic, as opposed to acidic, and well draining. Once basil seedlings reach 3 inches in height, they should be replanted 12 inches apart. Basil should be watered frequently so that the soil remains moist. Central tufts of leaves should be plucked in order to encourage new leaf growth.

New Mexican folklore has many tales about basil. One folktale suggests that carrying basil in your pockets attracts money into them. Another states that a wife wishing to cure her husband's wandering eye should sprinkle dried basil powder over her heart.

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Meyer Lemon Spring Salad
with Fresh Herbs

  Spring is here, and it’s time to break out the salads.  Adding fresh herbs to your favorite salad mix helps give salads extra flavor and extra freshness.  This recipe for Meyer Lemon Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Almonds gets springtime zip from the sweet tartness of Meyer Lemon and the fresh herbs of […]

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Baked Cheesy Caprese Dip

This is a dippable variation on a classic caprese salad (fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella). A provolone stands in for the traditional mozzarella in our version, though any mild melting cheese should work. As with a traditional caprese, it’s the zesty, fresh Basil that really takes center stage.

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Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings

These are a delicious and healthier alternative to your standard deep-fried wings. The addition of fresh rosemary, thyme and basil, along with grated parmesan cheese packs enough flavor that you won’t miss the fat.

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Basil Buffalo Chicken Dip

Heat things up with this spicy (and easy) buffalo chicken dip. Tortilla chips and celery make great vehicles for this warm, cheesy concoction, but no need to stop there! Try it with potato chips, fresh tortillas or a sliced baguette.

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Herb and Cheese Pigs in Blankets

If you need more proof that fresh rosemary adds a touch of class to any dish, then look no further. These tasty little pastries are as much to make as they are to eat, and the addition of rosemary and thyme adds a depth of flavor not normally found in pigs-in-blankets.

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  • Quicktips for basil:

    • Make a salsa cruda with diced ripe yellow and red tomatoes, red onions, fresh or smoked mozzarella, shredded basil leaves and fruity olive oil to serve over capellini
    • Make a relish to serve on grilled fish. Chop citrus fruits, shallots and basil leaves.
    • For an easy, healthy appetizer, julienne 1/2 package and add to 1lb. miniature mozzarella balls, 1 pint grape tomatoes; salt & pepper to taste and serve in martini glasses.
    • Freeze fresh pesto in ice cube trays.  Heat 2 cubes with 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt to use as a dip for 1 pound cooked tortellini on skewers.
    • Use basil leaves to wrap jumbo shrimp or boneless chicken tenderloins.  Brush with olive oil, and grill.
    • For a quick, delicious meal, blend 3oz cream cheese with ½ c. shredded mozzarella, smear on 4 flattened boneless chicken breasts, top with 3 leaves, roll up, wrap each chicken breast in 1 slice peppered bacon and bake 30 minutes @ 400˚F.