If you have a basil plant and it has flowers, don’t throw them away because they can be utilized in various ways. Below we’ll show you everything you need to know.
Basil is one of the most beloved and widely used aromatic herbs. Its aroma and flavor are genuinely unique, and it’s a favorite among many. It complements numerous dishes, providing that extra touch that’s indispensable. Precisely because of its extensive use, people often decide to plant it nearby.
Whether you have a garden or just a simple balcony, simply place a pot and begin to cultivate it. This way, you’ll always have it on hand and won’t need to ask your greengrocer. It will always be fresh, and taking care of it is genuinely straightforward. Just take a few small precautions, and you’re good to go.
However, what you may not know is that you should not throw away basil flowers. In fact, these are also edible, and you can recognize them because they resemble ears, only they’re a bit smaller and thinner. They grow and are generally cut and discarded. Now, we’re going to show you why you should absolutely not throw them away.
Do Not Throw Away Basil Flowers
As we just mentioned, basil has small spikes on each stem where tiny white flowers are present. These are usually cut when they reach a few centimeters. Indeed, cutting will allow the stem to grow and, consequently, have more basil leaves.
However, you can cultivate some of these spikes up to a maximum of 10/15 centimeters to be able to use them in the kitchen and beyond. When they’ve reached this length, you can proceed to cut them, but be careful because they are not consumed as well as the leaves, but rather need to be dried first.
So, the spikes are edible but must first be dried. Once they reach a decent length, you can separate them from the basil plant which will continue growing even more and you can put them in the sun for several hours. Ensure there is no wind; otherwise, the spikes will blow away.
Once they are dry, which will take about 48 hours, they can be used in various ways. However, it is recommended to put this herb in a jar with a lid to ensure it retains its aroma. But let’s look at how to use them very simply below.
Basil Vinegar: Here’s How
With the dried spikes, you can obtain basil-infused vinegar by simply pouring the dried spikes into the bottle. Allow everything to infuse for about 7 days and then filter the mixture. Here, you’ve obtained a very simple basil vinegar without going to the supermarket.
Creating a Seedling
With the basil spikes, it is also possible to propagate the basil and give birth to a new seedling. In this case, it is advisable to dry the spikes directly on the plant. As soon as they have rubbed off, then in soft soil mixed with sand. These should always be moist and exposed to the sun.
If you do this in spring or summer, the result is assured. After a few weeks, you’ll see the first leaves appear, and slowly the plant will begin to grow. These are just a few methods to use basil differently, and you should at least try it.
