The next time your basil starts to bloom, think again before simply pushing the flowers aside.
Basil, this herb popular in kitchens around the world, is particularly prized for its aromatic leaves that add flavor to many dishes. But what to do with the flowers that develop on your plants? Often, gardeners and cooks remove them to encourage leaf growth, thinking that their appearance means the plant has reached its peak. However, basil flowers are far from useless.
They offer several benefits and uses you may not have considered. Here’s why you should save your basil flowers and how to best use them in your garden and kitchen.
- Use basil flowers as a tasty garnish.
Basil flowers are edible and offer a milder, more subtle twist on the classic basil flavor. Their delicacy and aromatic profile make them an ideal garnish for a variety of dishes.- Salads: Add a pop of color and a hint of basil flavor.
- Soups and pasta: Use flowers as a finishing touch.
- Cocktails: Add some flowers for a unique presentation and herbal flavor.
- Make oil with basil flowers.
Infusing oils with basil flowers is a great way to capture their flavor. Use this oil in salad dressings, marinades, or as a final seasoning.- Preparation: Mix the flowers with olive oil in a sterilized bottle. Leave to rest in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks.
- Use: Strain the flowers and use the oil to add a fresh touch to your dishes.
- Make tea with basil flowers.
Basil flowers infused into herbal tea offer a slightly sweeter, more floral flavor while retaining the aromatic properties of the leaves.- Preparation: Use fresh or dried flowers to infuse boiling water.
- Taste: Refine with honey or lemon.
- Make basil flower vinegar.
This infused vinegar can be used in salad dressings or as a base for homemade pickles.- Preparation: Pour white wine or apple cider vinegar over the flowers.
- How to use: Filter and use to add a floral touch to your dishes.
- Attract pollinators to your garden.
Basil flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, improving the overall health of your garden.- Use: Allow certain flowers to bloom to attract pollinators.
- Make basil flower pesto.
Use the flowers to make a pesto with a floral flavor profile, ideal for sandwiches, pasta, or as a dip.- Preparation: Mix the flowers with garlic, walnuts, Parmesan, olive oil and salt.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Dry the flowers for later use.
Dried flowers retain their aroma and can be used in teas, potpourri or as a spice.- Method: Air dry or use a dehydrator.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers.
- Incorporate basil flowers into your homemade skin care routine.
With their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, the flowers are ideal for skin care.- How to use: Add to facial steams or incorporate into oils for moisturizing treatments.
Basil flowers are incredibly versatile and can transform both your dishes and the health of your garden, so keep them to discover their golden potential!
