Basil Herbs for Variety & Delight
Basil herbs have long been a staple inhabitant of the home kitchen.
They features very prominently in Italian cuisine, as well as dishes from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Numerous types of basil herbs exist, though sweet basil is the most common type available.
You will also find Asian basil varieties have a stronger flavor than those native to the Mediterranean area, with a strong clove-like taste. Lemon basil is an interesting herb if you like an infusion of lemony flavor and traditional basil taste.
Usually, only the leaves are utilized in cooking.
Most dishes call for a specified amount of ground, chopped or diced basil, depending on the amount of flavor needed and the type of dish being prepared. However, in some cultures, basil flowers are added to salads, which produces a unique zesty flavor.
Growing basil at home is usually not a difficult undertaking, though if your home is in northern climatic zones, you will most likely need to grow your basil indoors.
Basil herbs are annuals, though in some very warm climates it can grow year round (though it remains an annual). The first consideration you’ll need to make if you want to grow basil herbs at home is to determine what climatic zone your are within.
This will determine where you can grow the herbs.
If your home is in a relatively warm zone, then you can plant it outdoors. Basil is a sun-loving plant and will thrive with heat and sunlight.
You’ll also need to ensure that the plants receive plenty of water, as they can consume quite a bit.
Ideally, you should begin soil preparation in the fall, though you might choose to start your basil indoors and plant sprouts after the danger of frost has passed. As a note, cold weather and frost will put a quick end to your basil growing experience.
If you intend to grow basil indoors, you will need to water the plants frequently and ensure they receive sufficient warmth. As a note, central heating can dry out basil quite quickly, so you might need to use a mister to keep the leaves wet and avoid dehydration.
If you’re wanting to use the leaves to flavor your dishes, rather than growing basil as an ornamental plant, you will need to ensure that the plant does not flower.
Once basil herbs come to flower, leaf production and further growth in flower-bearing stems will stop, thereby eliminating any more leaves for cooking.
You can pinch off flower buds before they open, but you will need to keep a close eye on the plant or risk losing that source of amazing flavor.
Basil herbs can offer you access to a tremendous variety of flavors, depending on your wants and needs.
With a bit of research and study, you can use sweet basil, lemon basil and even exotic Eastern basils to tremendous results.
In addition, the plant’s aroma and beauty make it an ideal option for outdoor use, even in situations where you want a more ornamental solution.
