Horti Tops® Sweet Basil Mixed

Sweet Basil Mixed (Ocimum basilicum)

The King of Culinary Herbs

Basil earns its royal name – “basilicum” comes from the Greek word for king. No other herb captures the essence of summer Mediterranean cooking quite like fresh basil. Its sweet, slightly peppery flavor with hints of anise and clove transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary.

The key to using basil: add it at the end of cooking. Heat destroys the volatile oils that give basil its distinctive flavor. Tear leaves rather than cutting to preserve the essential oils and prevent bruising.

Classic Basil Preparations

Pesto Genovese: The ultimate basil showcase. Blend 2 cups basil leaves, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 cup olive oil. Season with salt. Use immediately or freeze in ice cube trays for year-round enjoyment.

Caprese Salad: Layer thick slices of ripe tomato with fresh mozzarella and whole basil leaves. Drizzle with excellent olive oil and balsamic. Season with flaky salt. This simple dish depends entirely on quality ingredients.

Thai Basil Stir-fry: Thai basil has a more pronounced anise flavor. Add handfuls to stir-fries in the last minute of cooking. It is essential in Pad Krapow (Thai basil chicken).

Growing Abundant Basil

Basil loves heat and hates cold. Wait until after the last frost to plant outside. Choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil.

Pinching secret: When plants reach 15cm tall, pinch off the top set of leaves. This encourages branching and bushier growth. Continue pinching regularly and remove any flower buds – once basil flowers, leaf production slows and flavor diminishes.

Preserving the Harvest

Freezing: Blanch leaves for 2 seconds, shock in ice water, dry thoroughly, and freeze flat on a tray. Or blend with olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays.

Basil oil: Blend fresh basil with neutral oil, strain through cheesecloth. Use within a week refrigerated, or freeze.

In Italy, a pot of basil on a balcony traditionally signals romantic interest. During the Middle Ages, basil was believed to protect against evil and was placed in the hands of the dead to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.

Growing Sweet Basil Mixed