Good Morning and Good Cooking, that is if you use herbs to season and flavor your dishes. But herbs do more than that. They offer extra in the ways of vitamins and antioxidents.
Today, let's discuss
BASIL
A star in Italian cooking, basil has a spicy fragrance with hints of anise.
Basil contains cancer-protective phytochemicals, which help stimulate the immune system and block metabolic pathways linked to cancer development. Want to enrich the taste and cardiovascular health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of basil. Basil is a very good source of vitamin A. Basil is also a very good source of iron, and calcium, and a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
Blend basil with olive oil, garlic and pine nuts for a pesto, add to a sandwich; or toss torn basil leaves with strawberries and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
COMING SOON...(The last and final installment) CILANTRO
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Comments: 19
Basil (and Cilantro) are MUST HAVES in my pantry. I have plants for both (and Rosemary) growing in the window so that I always have fresh. I used to have an Aerogrow (I left it in Arizona, but I'm saving for another) that kept me in fresh herbs for a year.
Love basil, fresh basil from our garden is a staple in our kitchen.
Ooooh, I must come for the next installment as cilantro is my favorite. I love the way it smells and use it often.
Thanks for the info, we have some basil
Interesting information
It's not just for Italian cooking. The Lebanese also use large leaves as garnish for salads. It's wonderful that way and adds life to otherwise ordinary vegetables.
I love basil!
I have basil growing in my garden but it must be another variety. The leaves are more roundish instead of pointy.
I am also a fan of basil. these are good articles Nancy I hope you would share them with us at Good Cooks Illustrated.
I've planted basil this spring ad the leaves are turning yellow. I know they are not getting everwatered, so I am not sure what the issue is.
thanks for this :)
Pesto is the best thing about basil. Mix some fresh picked basil with parmesan and garlic and pine nuts or walnuts, put it on crackers or some slices of grilled french or italian bread, awesome.
you can't get good pesto at most restaurants but you can make it yourself.
sounds like we need to have basil...I may have to see about an indoor herb garden if possible
This has to be my favorite herb! I always have basil growing either inside or out. I love it on pizza, in sauces, salads and italian sandwiches.
I love the basil that I have in my window. It is my go to herb and even sometimes garnish.
Thanks for the information!
Thanks
I don't use basil much because I just don't know what to do with it. I'm open to suggestions here!