10 Ways to Use Basil

Spring is officially here! I highly recommend growing basil. It’s fairly easy to take care of. Whether starting from seed or buying a store bought plant. It likes 6-8 hours of full sun and it likes to always have moist soil. You can either grow outside or even inside by a sunny window. Below are 10 ways you can use up that access basil. All make great gifts too! 

1. Freeze with olive oil. Chop up your basil then just add a drizzle of olive oil to incorporate. Put into an ice cube tray, when frozen transfer to an air tight sealed container.  Great for sautéing or marinades year round. 

2. Fresh tea. Add hot water to 2-3 leaves (fresh or dry) and let it seep for a few minutes.  Basil has antioxidants which help helps boosts digestion.

3. Simmer pot. Add any left over basil stems along with some orange peels or spices and cover with a bit of water. This makes a natural  room freshener. Make sure to simmer and you can replace water as needed. 

4. Veggie broth. Save all your scraps, including those basil stems to make your own fresh veggie broth. I like to freeze all my scraps until I have a large batch. Fresh veggie broth lasts 2 weeks in the fridge or freeze for longer use.

5. Cook with fresh. Be sure to store fresh basil like a bouquet of flowers. Add the ends in some water and replace every few days. If you leave your ends in water long enough you’ll start to even see roots. You can plant that for another basil plant! 

6. Dehydrate with the sun. I live in a really warm climate where this is super easy. If you’re not in a warm area you can also bake on the lowest setting. Typically 170°F for 45 minutes or until it looks crispy and dry. Store in an air tight container for years of use. 

7. Basil salt. Pulse together 1/3C of packed basil leaves and 1C course sea salt together in a blender. Pulse until you see the basil has incorporated into the salt. Add to a baking sheet and even out the mixture. Bake at 220°F for 30 or until you feel the salt is no longer wet. Package in an airtight container. 

8. Pesto. This freezes really nicely to enjoy year around. Here is my favorite recipe from homestead and chill https://homesteadandchill.com/besto-pesto-recipe/

9. Infused olive oil. Add olive oil to a clean jar and add freshly cleaned basil. I don’t really have a recipe for this, but typically you can add the amount of basil leaves you want more a more/less intense flavoring. Allow to infuse for a few days in a dark cabinet. 

10. Room spray/insect repellent. Basil has been known to have compounds that can help deter bugs, especially mosquitoes. Bring 4 oz of water to boil then turn off heat. Add 6 oz of basil leaves to the water and add a lid. Allow to sit and cool to room temperature for 2 hours. Then strain liquid into a sprayer bottle and add 1/2 cup vodka (or witch hazel) and give it a good shake. Then spray where needed.

That’s it (so far) I’ll be sure to update this list when I come across more ideas.  Have I convinced you to grow basil yet?!

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