Harvest the leaves of basil before letting the plant bloom if you are growing it for its flavor and leaves. Simply pinch off the blossom heads as soon as you start to notice them; this will buy you some time till new leaves emerge and extend the length of time you can pick these. When basil begins to flower, it is attempting to create seeds, which causes its flavor to turn slightly bitter. Allow your plant to blossom if it is only for ornamental purposes. In either case, the health advantages of your freshly picked leaves will remain. Here’s what you can do with the basil flowers.
Basil flower infused oil - You can add a bit of the flavor of basil flowers to your oil. The procedure is equally straightforward, and you'll be rewarded with a special-tasting oil that you can use every day as a salad dressing or flavor your favorite dishes. The flowers should be allowed to soak in the oil for at least a month.
Basil flower flavored salt - Many people adore basil, but we must acknowledge that adding it haphazardly to any recipe is not a good idea. The single ingredient that works in every recipe is salt, so why not try some basil salt? You can use either the blossoms or the leaves, or even better, both, to make basil salt. Don't forget to wash the flowers and pat them as dry as you can. You don't want the additional liquid to get to the salt because it absorbs moisture well.
Basil flower essence - Water that has absorbed all of the extraordinary qualities of basil, including its stimulating and antimicrobial effects, is what basil flower essence is. For better sleep, many individuals add this floral-infused water to their bath, rub it on their chakras, or spray it on their pillows. It only needs distilled water and some freshly cut basil blossoms to prepare it.
Basil flower tea - Basil flowers can be used to make tea. It might be much simpler than you think to make basil flower tea. Simply place some fresh or dried basil blossoms in a teapot or cup, then top with just-boiled water. After waiting for three to four minutes, remove the flowers and enjoy! Another option is to prepare more and store it in the fridge for later use.
Basil flower in tomato sauce - The majority of tomato-based sauces benefit from the inclusion of basil flowers, just like the leaves do. These edible flower clusters don't need to be many to elevate your condiment to a new level. Keep in mind to incorporate dried flowers at the start of cooking when using them. Fresh flowers, on the other hand, ought to be included at the end.
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