Bountiful basil
Basil is a staple summer herb that is delicious in a variety of ways and has many health benefits too.
If one is lucky enough to have a bounty of basil, whether from the yard or the grocery store, there are many creative ways to enjoy this aromatic herb. Rub the leaves between your fingers to release the flavorful oils and fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice.
Although there are more than 60 varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular variety with round, curved, grass-green leaves which are great for making pesto and adding to a caprese salad. Look for other varieties to grow or buy: Genovese basil with larger, darker green leaves and a stronger flavor; Thai sweet basil with flatter and pointier leaves and a distinct black licorice flavor that holds up well in high cooking temperatures, unlike sweet basil; purple basil for a bolder flavor of herby cloves; or holy basil (tulsi), considered to be one of the most important medicinal herbs.
According to clevelandclinic.org, basil has many potential health benefits, including positive effects on blood sugar, heart and vascular health, immunity (thanks to its antioxidants), and even anticancer properties. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have treated cardiovascular disease with basil for centuries. Studies are being conducted on basil’s positive influence on many aspects of mental health, particularly holy basil. In separate studies, basil essential oils are showing the potential to decrease depression and stress and age-related memory loss.
Delicious in endless ways, basil can be added to marinades for grilled meats or vegetables, blended into dressings or simply sprinkled on salads or nearly any dish as a fresh and edible garnish. Make a Greek or Italian salad, and basil will bring it to life. Melt basil butter on corn on the cob or try a grilled cheese sandwich with blackberries and basil. Basil is incredible with a Fontina cheese.
Hearty dishes such as a spicy Indian curry or a Tuscan beef stew will have a refreshing pop with basil. Basil can be steeped in hot water for a few minutes to make a fragrant infusion that can be enjoyed as a hot tea with lemon, a cold basil strawberry lemonade, or added to cocktails. Basil can even be part of desserts such as a berry basil ice cream, basil-infused whipped cream, basil shortbread cookies, or a lemon basil yogurt cake. Sprinkle chopped basil on melon and/or berries and add a little balsamic glaze for a simple and light summer dessert.
To keep basil fresh, store trimmed basil in a jar or glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag on the kitchen counter. Yes, basil can be frozen but why not just enjoy it all?
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo
