Red basil plants add beauty and interest to the garden. Plant red basil in containers or tuck a few in a bed along with other annuals. The plant is ornamental, and the leaves can be used for cooking or to make flavored vinegars. The flavor is a bit more pungent than other types of basil, so use it sparingly.
What does red basil taste like?
Red Rubin Basil tastes nearly the same as any green basil, though a bit more pungent than Genova Basil. Sometimes, it even has a sharpness almost like cloves. The taste might be a bit too strong for some people in pesto. Red Rubin Basil is best used fresh.
Is red basil good for pesto?
Pesto alla Genovese with red basil is an alternative to the classic pesto: it makes the sauce more aromatic and gives it a slightly spicy aftertaste. A must-try variation!
What can I do with lots of fresh basil?
How to Use Basil
Top whole leaves onto pizza.
Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
Blend it into sauces.
Puree it into soups.
Chop it up to add to a salad.
Use it to garnish avocado toast.
Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
What can you use red basil for? – Related Questions
Is too much basil toxic?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Although certain herbs, such as parsley and cilantro or coriander, can be stored this way in the fridge, basil does better at room temperature. Refrigeration can turn the leaves black.
Can you freeze fresh basil to use later?
Simply chop leaves, stuff them into ice cube trays, cover with cold water, and freeze. The frozen basil bits will turn black as soon as they thaw, but they will still taste like basil. Frozen basil cigars are a great way to store basil with large leaves that can hold up to brief blanching.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag.Seal and store for one to two weeks.
Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?
Is your garden overflowing with basil? You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this step.
Is freezing fresh basil good?
ANSWER: Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves, but they just need a little help. Basil is a particularly delicate herb because it hates the cold and darkens when cut. Keep in mind any fresh herbs that you freeze will not be entirely the same as fresh. Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable.
Lay basil in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until each leaf is frozen. Move the leaves into an airtight freezer bag. Pull out the amount of leaves desired as you’re ready to use them.
Is it better to freeze basil in water or oil?
Chop and Freeze
Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer.
Can I freeze basil in olive oil?
Save your garden basil to use all year round by freezing it in olive oil. This method blends up the basil leaves and freezes it in ice cubes to preserve the fresh basil flavor to enjoy even in winter. If you have basil in your garden, this is a terrific method to save it to use all year.
How long will fresh basil last in olive oil?
You can preserve them in olive oil for up to three months in your fridge, enjoying the same freshly-picked flavor. This works particularly well with basil and parsley, but try it out with chives, thyme, and your other favorite herbs. Thoroughly wash herbs and allow to completely dry.
How do you preserve basil for later use?
Directions:
Remove fresh basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely.
Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil.
Freeze the pureed basil in an ice cube tray, after frozen remove cubes and then store in a large resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container.
Basil that is spoiling will typically become soft and discolored and the leaves will start to darken; discard any basil that has an off smell or appearance.
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