Basil questions, blackened leaves...

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RxAngel Stratford, TX(Zone 6b) Aug 25, 2010

Can I still use them if they blackened right after I harvested, or do I need to discard them?

Also, some of the branches are just beginning to put on evidence of flowers...still green on the tips, but distinctive start to the flowering. When does the basil generally become bitter...when the flower is completely bloomed out, or when it begins to put on the blooms at first?

If it doesn't become bitter until the flowers actually bloom out, can the ends be used with the leaves for drying herbs for cooking? Or should I pinch that off and discard it?

Also, does it matter how large and old the leaves are, as long as it hasn't flowered? Or are the larger, older leaves bitter?

Thanks!

Angie

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Aug 26, 2010

I wouldn't use blackened basil.

Cut off the flowers. Smaller leaves are more tasty

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RxAngel Stratford, TX(Zone 6b) Aug 28, 2010

Thanks!

I did some more searching, and it seems like basil bruises very easily. However, when searching for "bruised basil" it seems that cooks bruise herbs on purpose to enhance the flavors.

So I've decided what I'll do is separate the blacked basil from the rest and dry it anyway, and then see what it tastes like.

Angie

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lucky21 Coventry, United Kingdom Sep 01, 2010

I bought a very sad little basil plant from a local supermarket back in March, it was marked reduced, cost me all of 85p.....what that relates to in cents I have no idea......but it grew and thrived and grew on our south facing windowsill...I have loads of it frozen whole, more leaves torn up by hand and frozen in ice cube trays ....and still the basil is growing happily....will send a pic if you wish....anyway, the thing with basil is that you must never cut it with anything metal....that blackens the leaves...it is better frozen than dried, the flavour and colour and scent will last you well through winter.

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RxAngel Stratford, TX(Zone 6b) Sep 02, 2010

Thanks Lucky -

When you freeze it, do you put it water and freeze that, or just plop it into a baggie and put it in the freezer?

And I've read some coat them in oil before they freeze also?

Thanks!

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