This is my first year to try to grow and cook with Basil. I am surprised at all the types of basil. I just thought they were pretty much the same. Well I bought Basil Genovese Italian seeds because I want to use the basil with my tomatoes. Is there a better basil to use when making a sauce for pasta? and I have a recipe for Sliced Tomato and Basil Salad. Does any one have experience with cooking with or growing basil they would like to share.
thanks
diana
This message was edited Mar 11, 2008 4:17 PM
Basil?
Scroll up, and you'll find an offer for seeds that includes my all time favorite culinary basil -- from seeds a friend brought back from Italy several years ago.
This is a link to my DG article list... the first 3 are on growing & using culinary herbs, focusing on basil.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/by.php?user=critterologist
I think it may just be personal preference. But I planted Greek oregano and lemon basil one year and my pizza sauce was the best ever. My oregano never dyes back here, and the basil reseeds itself annually so I always have it. You will love cooking with fresh herbs!
Gosh, yes, our spaghetti sauce just wouldn't be the same without Greek Oregano! I don't have seeds for that, though... I keep it clipped because I just propagate it from cuttings (when you find a variety you like, cuttings are the way to go to keep oreganos & thymes "true").
I noticed my Greek Oregano had rooted in a couple of places, so I dug those up to replant one in another area and to give to a friend. They both did quite well. I don't see seeds on them, probably because I keep them pretty well clipped.
I'm a HUGE basil fan-grow at least 25 varieties every year-basil, tomato, basalmic vinegar, freshly grated romano (or feta) and a splash of olive oil is one of the greatest summer treats around-my favorite basils on fresh tomatoes are Cinnamon Basil and Siam Queen Thai Basil-when making pesto I prefer a combination of different basils ( and even some fresh oregano-Greek is the absolute best) -don't be afraid to try different basils (even if they sound a little scary at first)-you never know when you'll find that one special taste that really does it for you-I have an incredible cookie recipe using lemon basil-no one can ever figure out what "that special ingredient is" but they always come back for more....enjoy!
I stopped at a little Mom&Pop greenhouse last week. They had a sign in the driveway herbs for sale. The lady was from Thailand and raised 40 types of basil, sage,rosemary,thyme and Thai peppers. I didn't know there were so many types of basil. I'll have to go back and list all the types. I bought a few plants including a rosemary about 2 foot tall for $15.00.
Wow, what a great place to find! You'll have to pass along the address, too, please... maybe add them to Go Gardening! I don't suppose I'm lucky enough to have them be located near Frederick... LOL
Sorry I'm slow with an answer. The place is just outside of Easton, MD on Dover Rd. I haven't had time to get back there yet, maybe this week. If you let me know what you are looking for I'll check into it and send it on to you.
Peg
Oh, I was just hoping to find a great place to browse & buy... other than that 'Chocolate Basil' we've been questing for lately, I don't know that I'm looking for anything in particular (but I'm easily tempted). I checked a map, though, and Easton is east of Annapolis... that's not within easy reach of Frederick, unless we head out to the shore for a weekend. Ah, well. Just keep us posted on whatever else you find there, and we will shop vicariously through you, LOL.