Herb pots from the supermarket are practical and cheap, but their contents are short-lived. When harvesting, you have to hurry because the tender shoots wilt quickly. On the other hand, bush 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?
Is bush basil edible and can be used in the kitchen?
Brush basil is edible and is characterized by its intense taste in versatile dishes such as pestos, pasta sauces and salads. It can be used fresh picked, dried or frozen. The flowers of the bush basil are also edible, but have a slightly bitter taste.
Is bush basil edible?
Yes, bush 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 unexpectedly score with an intense taste. They offer more than we are used to from other types of basil. That's why an inexperienced cook should approach the optimal amount little by little.
Use in the kitchen
The green leaves have many uses in the kitchen. It is Italian cuisine in particular that cannot do without this herb. The leaves can be eaten both cooked and raw. They are:
- great seasoning for pasta sauces
- ideal as the main ingredient for green pestos
- an enrichment for salads and starters
- he althy ingredient for smoothies
- Its flavor also makes it suitable for desserts
- delightful as a healing tea
Preferably freshly picked
Freshly picked leaves taste best. It's a good thing that you can harvest bush basil all year round. Growth slows down in winter, so of course you can cut fewer shoots.
Frost could become an insurmountable obstacle to harvest, because the bush basil is not hardy. Only if you can overwinter the plant indoors will it remain perennial.
Tip
Always cut off whole shoots instead of picking off leaves. Naked stems do not sprout reliably again.
Preserving basil
Tree basil remains edible even after drying. It can also be frozen for around 12 months. Both methods are good for preserving harvest surpluses for later.
Flowers are also edible
The bush basil produces edible flowers from May onwards. However, their taste is slightly bitter and not for everyone. Thanks to their bright colors and attractive shape, they are definitely a beautiful decoration for many dishes.
How to harvest even more edible greens
Optimal care also includes regular cutting. This not only keeps the plant vital, you also increase the possible harvest quantity. Prune all new shoots so that the basil branches in a bushy manner.
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.
