Basil

Basil originated thousands of years ago in India, and with 60 varieties it has spread as a popular herb in cuisines worldwide.

What is Basil?

Basil is an aromatic and versatile herb, part of the mint family along with rosemary and frosted peppermint. It is a flowering plant with oblong leaves that come in shades of green, red or purple.

At our organic farm in Arlington, VA, we deliver a living basil plant (meaning basil still growing in a pot) that has two varieties - genovese and purple basil. We also grow tulsi basil at the farm. Because we bring the farm into communities, we are able to grow varieties that you won’t find in your grocery store; our purple basil is beautiful to look at and a nice addition to your kitchen windowsill. 

The basil plant prefers sunny environments and requires regular water and pruning to promote growth. We deliver living basil instead of already cut basil as fresh basil harvested from the plant retains its flavor, aroma and nutritional content much better than harvested basil. Basil leaves are quite fragile, and once harvested, must be refrigerated immediately to avoid damage. It’s best to pick basil leaves before the plant flowers; however, the flowers are edible.

The many varieties of basil have varying flavors due to nuances in the amount of chemical compounds. Specific chemical compounds can enhance the clove, anise, lemon, cinnamon and thyme flavors in basil.

• Clove basil, for example, will have higher levels of  eugenol and taste of clove with hints of cinnamon and thyme.

• Lemon basil has higher levels of limonene and citral (the chemicals that make a lemon lemony).

• The methyl cinnamate chemical compound in cinnamon basil will enhance flavors reminiscent of cinnamon.

• Both genovese and purple basil tend to be peppery and slightly spicy with hints of clove. 

How to Treat Your Living Basil Plant

With a living basil plant, you can harvest what you need as you prepare meals. Here are some tips for how to treat your living basil plant.

Harvest just above a node

Water daily

• To harvest single leaves, just use scissors to cut at their base. You can do this until the basil is gone and compost the rest.

• Want your plant to keep producing? Then harvest full stems, making sure to cut just above a node (where leaves and side shoots emerge)—this will encourage new basil to grow. If you continue harvesting in this way, your basil plant may need a bigger pot.

• After basil is cut, keep it fresh by either putting it in a vase of water or layering it in damp paper towels and place it in the refrigerator. 

• Water your basil plant daily.

How to Prepare Basil

As a culinary herb, basil is extremely versatile and can be used in many dishes, raw and cooked. Here are a few ways to prepare basil:

Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves can be added whole or torn into salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Pesto: Combine basil, olive oil, salt, parmesan cheese and roasted pine nuts in a blend or food processor to make a classic basil pesto.

Basil Dressing: Blend fresh basil leaves with olive oil, vinegar (such as balsamic or red wine vinegar), garlic, salt and pepper and use for salad dressing or marinades.

Basil Tea: Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water to make a soothing and aromatic basil tea. You can add honey or lemon for added flavor.

Basil Health Benefits 

As an ancient herb, basil was traditionally used to treat ailments like colds and depression. Basil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It packs a lot of flavor without the calories; adding basil to meals is an easy way to add depth of flavor without adding sugar or fats. Here are some more health benefits of basil:

Stress reduction: The aroma of basil, particularly when consumed fresh, has calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. 

Healthy digestion: Basil stimulates digestive enzymes, which helps the gut function properly leading to less gas and bloating. 

Fresh breath: Chewing on fresh basil leaves can help freshen breath naturally due to its antibacterial properties.

Basil Facts

• Traditionally, basil was used as insect repellent; the plant keeps cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes away. Because bugs don’t like it, it tends to grow well without pesticides. 

• In British-controlled India, Tulsi basil was used in place of the Bible as something to swear on in court.

• Throughout history, basil has held many, sometimes contradicting, symbols. It’s been a symbol of hatred and satan, but also one of love and used in wedding ceremonies.

• You can eat basil seeds. When they soak in water, they plump up like chia seeds. While they have a bland flavor, they can add texture to dishes.

Area 2 Farms for Locals

Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh, organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.