Fresh Basil
By Patty and Cary ~ My Simply Sage
Basil is a fun and delicious herb to have around. But it can get rather expensive to buy all of the time, so you might want to try this.
At certain times of the year, in the produce department of the grocery store, live basil plants are available. When they are, we try to get one and keep it around for use. We’ll even plan some dishes that require the fresh stuff.
So, if you are so inclined, buy a fresh basil plant and try it.
Fresh basil will keep for quite some time left in its original container and kept moist. We have found that keeping the plant, container and all, inside another slightly larger container works well. We just add some water around the edges when it needs it.
It will last quite a while doing it this way.
Basil likes a lot of bright light, but be careful with direct hot sun. The leaves can sunburn.
We have had a little luck transplanting basil, but our success has been limited. There are certain soil, watering and light conditions that have to be met or it just doesn’t work.
At least not for us.
When you harvest your basil, take the leaves and stems from the top and don’t take too much at once. This helps encourage the plant to keep growing rather than just stripping off the leaves you need.
If you’re going to try to keep your basil plant growing for quite a while, a little light fertilization every few weeks can also help.
Basil is an excellent herb to cook with. Although it can have a rather strong aroma when it’s fresh and raw, we don’t find that it comes across that way in the finished dish.
So try it.
Get a fresh basil plant at the store. Water it correctly. Give it plenty of bright light and watch it grow.
We love having fresh basil around and think you might enjoy it too.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try replanting it and putting it somewhere with some nice morning sun.
See what happens.
You might just end up with enough fresh basil to share with somebody else.
Simple is not where you start, simple is where you arrive!