Fresh basil is a cook's treat. To harvest basil, pick a few leaves off. While you're picking, periodically pinch off the branch tips to encourage the plant to fill out. Remove any flower buds and discard them. Harvest the leaves from the top down, cutting back up to a third of the total plant height. Be sure to cut right above a leaf pair rather than leaving a stub. In a few weeks, you'll be ready to harvest again. Betty has an endless supply of basil recipes - try them all. You'll soon know what you like best. Olive oil, fresh garlic and basil are a favorite combo in cooking - keep it in mind as you explore your new found treasure. I love to buy enough fresh basil at the farmer's market to both cook with and fill a jar for my kitchen counter to provide a wonderful aroma.
Answered on 5/27/2014 12:00:00 AM by