Basil – March Featured Ingredient …An extremely fragrant herb plant used most often as seasoning for a variety of foods. Basil has rounded with pointed tips. Basil is most recognized when making pesto, combining basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Basil – March Featured Ingredient is closely associated with Italian, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
Basil has a sweet, strong aroma and flavor meaning a little goes a long way. This herb adds a slightly spicy freshness to many dishes. Some varieties available are as follows:
Mediterranean types include:
- Herb Sweet – large green leaves
- Greek – smaller leaves, peppery note
- Purple – dark leaves, milder flavor
Asian types includes:
- Lemon – citrus aroma, smaller leaves
- Thai – like Herb Sweet but stronger
- Holy – spicy, intense, best cooked instead of raw
Basil has at least 60 varieties. All differ in taste and appearance. Varieties like lemon, anise, and cinnamon have flavors or tastes reflective of their names. Read more here…
Basil – March Featured Ingredient is available year around. July and August months being best for growing. You can save money by growing your own basil plants bought at your local garden center or supermarket. Basil loves a sunny windowsill. Water regularly as too much water dilutes herb flavor. As you pick the leaves more will grow and keep growing for several months.
Fresh herb is best but freeze-dried, packed in oil or dried are available. Who doesn’t love easy and no fuss food preparation? Use basil leaves whole, chopped or torn in and over dishes. Store fresh-cut basil in refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel, place in plastic bag pierced with holes for 1 to 2 days. Longevity depends on freshness when purchased. You can freeze basil in ice cubes for use in sauces, soups and stews for convenience.
Cooking with Basil – March Featured Ingredient is easy like pounding in a mortar and pestle or food processor with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil like my Classic Basil Pesto (click here). Add fresh basil to pasta sauces like my Whole Grain Spaghetti with Chicken, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Basil (click here). How about creating Pesto Mayo? Combining basil pesto and mayonnaise for Chicken Pesto Croissants (click here) or Pesto Steak Subs (click here). Other uses include the Classic Caprese Salad, basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add basil to softened butter, melted over steaks, roasted or grilled chicken and even boiled potatoes. Deliciousness at its best!
As we look to add healthier choices to our diets, Basil – March Featured Ingredient should not be overlooked. Research studies have shown basil to have health-protecting properties and benefits along with essential nutrients combating cardiovascular health. Basil contains high levels of vitamin K, vitamin A, and Magnesium. For more health related information go to whfoods.com or health.com.
Try Basil – March Featured Ingredient. You’ll love this herb as much as I do and its many uses. Let me know your ideas using Basil.
Until next month…
Happy Cooking!!!
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