Although basil is commonly associated with Italian cuisine, this herb actually originated in India. It is generally added to dishes right before serving, as the flavor is quickly lost during cooking. (Discover the 5 Best Basic Basil Facts.)
Storage Tips
Basil is very chill sensitive! It does best stored at 50 degrees F.
In The Refrigerator Most people do not have a refrigerator with a special area that maintains this temperature. So – if you would like to refrigerate it, we suggest storing it in the warmest part of your refrigerator (generally the door) in a plastic bag or container – make sure the basil is relatively dry before sealing up the container.
On The Counter If your room temperature doesn’t exceed 68 degrees, basil can be stored at room temp.
A Counter Alternative Slice the stems on a diagonal, put them in a tall jar or other container with water in the bottom, cover the jar with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and rubber band the plastic around it. Put in a cool place in your kitchen (50 degrees).
Long Term Storage Tips
In The Freezer Basil can also be frozen for later use. Although it loses its bright green color, frozen basil still has great flavor and works well in sauces.
Nutrition
Basil is a very good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and manganese. (Find more basil nutrition facts at Self.com.)
Seasonality
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep,
Recipes
10 Easy Ways to Preserve Herbs
Apple Dressed Lentil, Potatoes & Crunchy Salad
Arugula Caprese Salad with Kale Pesto
Asian Cucumber Salad with Basil
Asparagus and Red Quinoa Salad
Asparagus, Mustard Greens, and Kale Stir-Fry
Babaganoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip)
Baby Basil-Zucchini Muffins Recipe
Baby Greens with Roasted Beets and Potatoes
Baked Zucchini Fries
Basic Herb Vinaigrette
Basil Lime Gimlet
Basil Marinara
Basil Mint Pesto
Basil Pesto
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Butter-Steamed Kohlrabi and Mushrooms
Butternut Squash, Lemon and Basil risotto
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad with Fried Capers and Basil
Carrot, Potato, and Cabbage Soup
Chickpea Pumpkin Burger
Classic Minestrone Soup
Classic Ratatouille with Olives
Creamed Zucchini with Garlic & Basil
Cucumber Basil Mojito
Cucumber Gazpacho with Shrimp and Melon
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Easy Vegetarian Chili
Fresh Basil Dressing
Garlic Basil Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Green Eggs and Ham for Grownups
Green Herb Hummus
Grilled Baby Eggplant & Plum Tomatoes with Basil
Grilled Cheese Latkes with Basil Pesto
Grilled Corn and Nectarine Salad with Toasted Spice Vinaigrette
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
Grilled Lemon-Basil Tofu Burgers
Grilled Peaches with Brown Sugar Balsamic Glaze
Grilled Sesame Shrimp Over Crunchy Herb Salad
Ham-and-Tomato Pie
Heirloom Tomato and Basil Pizza
Hidden Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Kitchen Scrap Vegetable Broth
Lemon Basil Shrimp and Pasta
Marinated Zucchini with Mint and Scallions
Mashed Potatoes with Goat Cheese and Basil
Mixed Bean and Winter Squash Stew with Fresh Basil
Mussels in a Tomato Basil Wine Sauce
Open-Face Tomato Basil Sandwiches
Panzanella (Rustic Italian Salad)
Panzanella with Grilled Eggplant, Corn & Tomatoes
Pasta with Basil Yogurt Sauce
Pasta with Leek, Pepper and Chive Sauce
Pepperoni Panzanella
Pesto Crostini
Phyllo Pizza with Feta, Basil, and Tomatoes
Potato and Onion Frittata
Potatoes and Celeriac Au Gratin with Tomato Basil Sauce
Quick Pesto with Broiled Tomatoes
Radish Toasts with Basil Butter
Ratatouille
Raw Collard Green Wraps
Red, White and Bruschetta
Risotto with Winter Squash, Leeks and Basil
Roasted Potatoes with Basil (Microwave)
Roasted Tomato, Basil, and Feta Pasta
Sea Bass with charred Serrano-Basil Vinaigrette
Sriracha Tofu with Eggplant and Basil
Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Kohlrabi and Basil
Strawberry-Basil Lassi
Strawberry Shortcake With Basil Infused Cream
Summer Clafoutis with Cherry Tomatoes and Corn
Summer Gazpacho
Summer Quinoa Salad by Tina
Summer Tartines With Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarines
Summer Vegetable Stir-Fry
Super Simple Gazpacho (“Guy-zpacho”)
Tomato Basil Marinara
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Tomato, Spelt and Herb Salad
Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers
Veggie Farro Salad
Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Watermelon Radish, Beet, and Mozzarella Salad
Winter Fruit Salad with Basil Syrup
Winter Greens Hash with Turnips & Basil
Zucchini Almond Veggie Burgers
Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna
Zucchini Stuffed With Ricotta-Basil Mousse
Zucchini with Basil