Herb pots from the supermarket are practical and cheap, but their contents are short-lived. Harvest in a hurry, because the tender shoots wither quickly. On the other hand, the shrub basil, which we can cultivate at home, is different. It is robust and has comparatively much smaller, firmer leaves. But what interests us most: is this basil also edible?

Shrub basil originally comes from Africa and Asia

Is basil edible?

Yes, the shrub basil is also edible. The plant, which comes from tropical Africa and Asia, has the typical basil aroma in its plant parts.

The small leaves score unexpectedly with an intense taste. They offer more than we are used to from other basil varieties. For this reason, an inexperienced cook should approach the optimal amount bit by bit when dosing.

use in the kitchen

The green leaves are versatile in the kitchen. It is Italian cuisine in particular that cannot do without this herb. The leaves can be eaten both cooked and raw. You are:

  • great seasoning for pasta sauces
  • ideal as the main ingredient for green pesto
  • an enrichment for salads and appetizers
  • healthy ingredient for smoothies
  • with its taste also suitable for desserts
  • delicious as a healing tea

Preferably freshly picked

Freshly picked leaves taste best. So it's good that you can harvest basil all year round. Growth slows down in winter, so of course you can cut fewer shoots.

The frost could become an insurmountable obstacle to harvesting, because the shrub basil is not hardy. Only if you can overwinter the plant indoors will it remain perennial.

tips

Always cut off whole shoots instead of plucking leaves. Naked stems will not reliably sprout again.

preserve basil

Shrub basil remains edible even after drying. It can also be frozen for about 12 months. Both methods are good for preserving crop surpluses for later.

Flowers are also edible

The shrub basil forms flowers from May that are edible. However, their taste is slightly bitter and not for everyone. Thanks to their bright colors and attractive shape, they are always a beautiful decoration for many dishes.

So you harvest even more edible greens

Regular trimming is also part of optimal care. This not only keeps the plant vital, you also increase the possible harvest. Pinch off any new shoots to allow the basil to branch into a bush.

If you don't want to use the flowers, you should cut them off early. If they are allowed to bloom fully, no new leaves will appear on the shoots.

Category:

Vegetable garden