Basilis one of the most widely used herbs with very aromatic leaves. The plant is quite easy to grow and is perfect not only for the garden but also for potting in an apartment. Having basil at hand in the kitchen, we will use it as an addition to dishes and sauces, salads, fish and meats, especially grilled ones. Here's how to cultivate basil to keep its aromatic leaves plucked for as long as possible.
Common basil - Ocimum basilicum
Common basil(Ocimum basilicum) belongs to the labial family.It is a small annual plant, growing up to 50 cm tall, with reddish stems and egg-shaped, pointed, light green leaves that give off a strong aroma. It is these leaves that are a valuable herbal raw material and an addition to dishes, used in many cuisines of the world. Depending on the variety of basil, the leaves can be large or tiny. Basil flowers are small, reddish or yellowish, placed loosely on the tops of the shoots, appearing from mid-summer to autumn. This species comes from India, where basil was considered a sacred plant, it came to Europe via the Middle East.
Growing and caring for basil
In Poland, basil does not grow wild, so it has always been necessary to plant basil in containers or in the ground. It is a plant from a warmer climate zone, therefore it requires a sunny position, sheltered from the wind. Basil grows best in light, well-drained soil. However, care should be taken to keep the soil moist.
In our homes, you can safely grow basil in a pot, where it does very well. Currently, there is a trend forto grow basil in a pot , as well as many other herbs. The basil pot is best placed on a window sill, where the plant will get plenty of sunshine. On the other hand, if we plant basil into the ground, it will also do well, provided that the place is sheltered and sunny.
To start cultivation, sow basil seeds in pots shallow to the ground in early spring, and replant the young plants in summer for larger pots. When sowing directly into the ground, the seeds should be sown a little later - at the end of spring, so that the germinating seedlings are not exposed to late spring frosts.
Basil careis basically very simple, just remember about regular watering. It is also worth removing the tops of the shoots, which will allow the plant to branch out. When caring for basil, remember to get plenty of sun, because this is the basis for its he althy growth.
Harvesting and drying basil
The basil is cut in August. It should be dried in the shade. However, when you need fresh leaves, always remember to cut out the lower leaves first. The leaves have the greatest flavor before flowering, so it is important to pinch the inflorescences when nurturing basil.
Important! Remove the basil blossoms that reappear so that the plant produces more leaves. If flowering is not allowed, the leaves will also be more aromatic.
Basil - application, to which we add
There are countless recipes for dishes to which you add basil. It belongs to the herbs most often used in the kitchen.Basil is added tosoups, salads, sauces, stuffing, vegetables, cheese. Dishes with basil really take on a unique flavor and aroma, especially fresh basil, harvested before flowering, is incredibly essential.Cooks often use basileven if the recipe does not require it, they like this herb so much.
But not onlydishes with basilhave gained fame. Other things can be made of basil, such as basil oil, which is used in the soap and perfume industry.Basil is also used as a herbal raw materialin colds and flu due to its stimulating effect. The use of basil is also good for digestive problems. Basil is also recommended for gastritis, menstrual pain and lack of appetite. An interesting idea is alsoadding basil to the bath , which has a relaxing and antiseptic effect.
Good to knowIn the past, basil was considered a royal herb that gives a royal flavor to dishes, basilicus - in Latin, means royal.
Basil tea
Basil tea is recommended for digestive problems and constipation. It also has a slight calming effect. To prepare it, 5 tablespoons of dried basil should be poured with 4 cups of boiling water, covered for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day after meals.
Basil pesto sauce
Basil is also one of the main ingredients in pesto sauce, which is a great addition to pasta.To prepare pesto, besides basil, garlic and pine nuts are put in a bowl or mortar. These ingredients must be rubbed into a homogeneous mass. After grating, they are sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and poured over with olive oil and then grated until the ingredients combine. Then you can season with pepper and s alt. Put the prepared pesto into a jar and pour over the olive oil.
Basil adds shine to your hair
Add a pinch of basil and a pinch of rosemary to a cup of boiling water. We leave it covered to soak it well and then drain it. You rinse your hair with this mixture immediately after shampooing. Thanks to this, your hair will become shiny and will smell delicately.
Species and varieties of basil
Greek basilOcimum basilicum var. minimum - a variety of basil with small leaves, up to 1 cm long. Dense-leaved, highly branched.
American basilOcimum americane - a kind of basil with a lemon scent and taste.
Lemon basilOcimum basilicum citriodora - a subspecies of common basil with lemon flavor and aroma.
Peppermint basilOcimum menthaefolium - characterized by a mint scent of leaves.
Common basil 'Luna'- a variety with good hardiness, stays fresh for a long time after harvesting.
Common basil 'Celina'- a variety with dark leaves and a compact habit. It is characterized by equal growth. A very good variety for growing in pots.
Basil 'Bonazza'- stays fresh for a long time, recommended for harvesting in bunches and preserves.
Katarzyna Matuszak
