Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:59 pm
The shrub basil has an intense flavor. But that alone, does not make it a versatile herb. It is its typical aroma note, which can work alone in the kitchen, but also harmonizes with many other flavors. In addition, its ingredients make other applications possible.
Basil for the Mediterranean pleasure
Tomato with mozzarella and basil, who doesn’t know this appetizer? Hot spaghetti, on the other hand, look forward to a green basil pesto. Italian cuisine is unthinkable without this herb! With this we would already have named the main area of application of shrub basil.
Use the herb when the recipe calls for it. However, you are welcome to use it when its aroma seems appropriate.
Tips
Shrub basil tastes more intense than commercial herb pots. Therefore, there is a risk of over-seasoning the dish. Use a small amount at first. If needed, you can always add more seasoning.
Use of the flowers
Basil flowers are also edible. So you can cut off a few freshly bloomed blossoms to make a spicy vinegar. You can also decorate food with the colorful flowers and eat them afterwards. However, their taste is more bitter than that of the leaves.
A tea with healing powers
Basil tea is not yet on everyone’s lips, but you can certainly imagine how aromatic it tastes. In addition, it exerts a soothing effect on a number of symptoms of disease. Among others for:
- Migraine
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- sleep disorders
- Skin diseases
- Rain pain
- Menopausal symptoms
- Joint pain
Shrub basil as a pest repellent
Shrub basil in the garden acts as a pest repellent with its intense fragrance. Place the plant near your seating area. Flies and mosquitoes will give it a wide berth.
Shrub basil as a scent dispenser.
Enrich fresh flower bouquets with a few shoots of this herb. In the summer on them will even be colored flowers. Dried shrub basil can also be placed indoors as a fragrance dispenser.
Harvesting from January to December
Shrub basil is a perennial herb when properly overwintered indoors. Its use is therefore possible 365 days of the year.
Cut off whole shoots, 2-3 mm above each pair of leaves. After that, the remaining piece can sprout new. It is less suitable if you repeatedly pluck off only individual leaves. The bare stems will die.
Tips
You can use shrub basil fresh, but you can also dry it or freeze it. The two preservation methods are particularly suitable if you need to cut off more from the bush than you can consume in a timely manner.