在所有香草中,罗勒是我最喜欢的。甜蜜而微妙的香气像丝绒一样拂过我的全身。的味道?It certainly embellishes many of my savory dishes with flair.
The benefits of this luscious herb are multiple. And the best part is that it’s easy to grow, both indoors and out. Consequently, my summer garden hosts a large basil plot while my winter garden, indoors, hosts a large basil pot.
As much I love this plant, both growing and in my cooking pot, I hadn’t realized it was also very good for the human body. Studies suggest that it can be used as a curative for disease or as a restorative oil for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, or even stress.
Perhaps it’s most commonlyknown and used as a treatmentfor stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headache, and even as an antispasmodic for whooping cough.
Basil And Its Varieties
Of course, I’m mostly referring to sweet basil, the most common, most popular of basils. With its prolific bush full of large, dark green leaves, sweet basil lives up to its name in so many ways, not the least of which is its intoxicating aroma. Basil, commonly known as sweet basil, common basil, or even St. Josephwort, is also dubbed in France as ‘l’herbe royale’.
Originallyfrom India在美国,罗勒是欧洲烹饪中很受欢迎的一种药草,尤其是意大利菜。它的叶子芳香宜人,有柠檬、薄荷、肉桂、甚至甘草的各种味道。甚至许多不同品种的叶子都是独特的,颜色从绿色到深紫色,平滑的叶子甚至是皱的叶子。
There is a wide range of basil varieties. There’s dark opal or purple basil, lettuce leaf basil, Thai basil, lemon basil, licorice basil, cinnamon basil, French basil, American basil, Egyptian basil and so many others. There is even a Christmas basil.
Dark Opal Basil
Each basil is its own unique shape, size, and color. For example, the dark opal or purple basil, as you can imagine, is a very dark purple or dark burgundy leaf, almost black in color.
It grows about 18 inches tall with large leaves. In contrast to the sweet basil flavor, this basil has a stronger clove-like taste. It’s highly aromatic and very colorful when steeped in vinegar or oil.
Christmas Basil
或者在沙拉和饮料中加入一种水果味的罗勒?这种2英寸高、有光泽的绿叶品种以其用途的花朵而闻名,被称为圣诞罗勒。它长得又高又密:16到20英寸。
Lemon Basil
Another great salad additive is the lemon basil. It’s also good in fish dishes or even in a glass of iced tea. It is known to add a fresh lemony tang to pesto. The light green plants grow from 20 to 24 inches and boast white flowers.
Thai Basil
Thai basil tastes almost like anise and compliments coconut milk in Thai dishes. The plant grows to about 18 inches and is very bushy.
Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is very fragrant and has a spicy flavor which makes it an excellent choice for fruit salads and garnishes. The plant, which grows to about 25 inches, shares a color similar to the dark opal or purple basil with its dark purple stems and flowers, but small, glossy leaves.
Sweet Basil
With the many diverse varieties of basil, it’s surprising to realize that it’s actually a member of the mint family, another herb that has many diverse varieties. That’s a good thing. Most people know how easy it is to grow mint. The same goes for basil; all varieties of basil.
Of the many varieties of basil, the easiest to grow and most popular to use is, of course, the sweet basil. It grows well in hot, dry climates and will only grow as a perennial in climates that experience annual frosts and sub-zero temperatures.
Basil likes sunlight. Lots of it. Full sun will allow the plants to grow well, sturdier, and with less chance of disease. With ideal growing conditions and a continual harvesting strategy (continually pinching the leaves to coax it to become bushier), basils will not only do well, they will also grow substantially. For example, sweet basil can grow as tall as six feet but is more likely to grow to an average size of two to three feet.
It likes the large open space of an herb garden or even as a border plant for a flower garden. It also does well in pots on the patio or, in the colder months, inside on a window sill that receives plenty of sunlight.
Growing Tips for Basil
While basil does have the potential to be grown just about everywhere, indoors and out, this fragrant herb does have some requirements.
- Grow in full sun.
- Don’t overwater. Water underneath the leaves at the plant base to discourage fungi or mold to grow.
- Start the basil from seed in rich potting soil. From seed to plant, it usually takes 60 to 90 days.
- 掐一下花,让叶子更茂盛,含油更多。
- Pinch the leaves frequently (and use or dry the harvest for later use). This promotes a bushier plant and prevents the plant from going to seed, which in turn, makes the leaves bitter.
- 将收获的罗勒叶洗净并晾干。把它们系在一个干净、干燥的地方。需要两到三周的时间才能完全干燥草本植物的叶子。弄碎并保存在密封的罐子中以备以后使用。干罗勒叶会失去一些味道。
- 将收获的罗勒叶洗净并晾干。在纸巾之间铺一层,密封在塑料袋或容器中。冷冻并根据需要移除。冷冻罗勒叶比干罗勒叶保留更多的风味。
- Basil grows well next to tomato plants but also does well in its own portion of an herb garden or as an ornamental border for a flower garden.
- Basil grows well in containers. Make sure each plant has at least a 12-inch pot. Once again, lots of sun and water at the base of the plant is key.
- Since basil loves the sun and loves heat, don’t take it outdoors, either in pots or to plant in the garden, until the temperatures are suitable: at least 70°F in the day and no lower than 50°F at night.
- Plant in a rich, well-drained soil to promote a healthy plant and don’t let it get too dry. As much as basil loves the sun, it doesn’t like to be kept dry.
- Organic fertilizer may be added to the soil if needed. But use sparingly, as a too organically rich soil might promote a healthier, bushier plant, it might also affect the oil content of the leaves as well as the aroma and taste.
- Don’t use or plant in highly acidic soil. Only use slightly acidic or neutral soil, in the pH level between 5.5 and 7.5.
- In the garden, space the plants at least 10 inches apart, as the plant does grow large and bushy.
Look Out For Disease
Like other plants, basil attracts certain parasites, fungi, and molds. Earwigs will devour the plant in less than a day of planting.
用肥皂水溶液喷洒树叶(顶部和底部)可以将蚯蚓和英寸蠕虫的伤害降到最低。避免过多的水分,防止真菌和霉菌入侵。
And water carefully at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet as the dryer the leaves, the less likely for fungi and molds to appear.
Basil flowers are very popular to bees. This is definitely a bonus. However, even though the bees enjoy the nectar of basil flowers, these flowers reduce the foliage (leaves) growth and the oil content in the leaves. And since the leaves are the useable part of the herb, growers want to frequently pinch off the flowers to allow for a bushier and tastier plant.
Cooking With Basil
罗勒,在它的任何品种,是最好的时候使用新鲜的植物。然而,它干得很好。洗净后,一捆捆地倒挂在厨房的窗户上,数日之内,香草的香气就会弥漫整个厨房。
虽然一些罗勒品种在某些食物中更好,但甜罗勒几乎可以和任何菜肴搭配。It adds an interesting flavor, not quite sweet and certainly never sour.
在番茄菜肴中,甜罗勒可以减少番茄的酸度。我喜欢用甜罗勒做鸡肉、汤、香草面包、饼干和米饭。可能性是无穷无尽的。尝试和享受甜罗勒的无限可能,或任何其他品种的罗勒。实验总是很有趣的。
作为对我最喜欢的草药的致敬,我包括了一些我最喜欢的以罗勒为特色的食谱,以及罗勒治疗,对咳嗽特别有效!你最喜欢的以罗勒为特色的食谱是什么?请在评论中告诉我们。
Zucchini Shrimp Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini, sliced thin
- 4 medium-sized mushrooms, sliced thin
- ¼ c. fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1茶匙。fresh basil, stems removed and finely chopped
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 1½ c. tomatoes, seeded and chopped fine
- 1 c. cooked salad shrimp, washed and drained
- 1 slice of basic white bread, crumbled
- 1 c. goat milk feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 c. goat milk cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
- Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole with extra light olive oil.
- Layer prepared casserole with sliced zucchini and sliced mushrooms.
- Sprinkle with chives, garlic, basil, sea salt and black pepper.
- Layer tomatoes over top of the zucchini mixture and then layer shrimp on top of the tomatoes.
- 撒上面包屑、羊乳酪和切达乳酪。
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for thirty minutes. Serves four.
Toasted Cheese Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped fine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ c. extra light olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- ¼ c. fresh basil, stems removed and leaves chopped fine
- 1 French baguette, cut in half and sliced lengthwise
- 2 c. goat mozzarella cheese or goat cheddar cheese, shredded; goat or sheep feta cheese crumbled also works well
Directions
- 在一个中等大小的碗里,混合前五种配料。轻轻搅拌,静置10分钟左右。它们还可以放在密封容器中,在冰箱中保存长达一周。
- 将法式长棍面包打开面朝上,放在一个大的平底砂锅或烤盘上。
- Spread tomato mixture evenly over top of each baguette piece.
- 撒上你喜欢的奶酪。
- Place under the broiler for 5-10 minutes or until toasty to individual taste. Makes four servings.
Eggplant Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium-sized mushrooms, washed and sliced
- ½ tsp. fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1茶匙。garlic powder
- 1 c. goat milk feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 eggs
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Directions
- Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole with extra light olive oil.
- Place sliced eggplant evenly over the bottom.
- Top with sliced mushrooms, herbs, garlic powder, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs, sea salt and pepper until frothy. Pour evenly over top of eggplant mixture.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes. Let stand on top of the stove for 10 minutes and then serve. Makes four servings.
Curative Basil Mixture
Ingredients
- 1茶匙。dried basil
- ½ c. boiling water
- 1茶匙。honey (optional)
Directions
- Steep basil in water for 10 minutes.
- Take 1 to 1½ cups a day, a mouthful at a time.
- Add 1 teaspoon liquid honey to sweeten the concoction, especially if taking the basil curative for a cough.
Basil In History And Folklore
Basil is definitely one of those multi-purpose miracle herbs. An herb that originated in India, basil boasts a number of rituals surrounding it. Jewish folklore suggests that basil builds one’s strength during periods of fasting.
Other legends suggest that basil is an herb of love. On the feast of Saint Anthony (June 13), Portuguese men might present a pot of basil, along with a poem, to their sweethearts, while pots of basil would be used as decoration.
There are other legends that contradict this positive attribute to the herb basil. Some European folklore suggests that basil is asymbol of Satan. And some African legends insist that basil can protect a person against scorpion attacks.
On the other hand, a French physician by the name of Hilarius argued that smelling too much basil wouldbreed scorpions in the brain. A 17th-century English botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, seemed to agree with Hilarius.
There are plenty of legends and myths surrounding every herb. Basil is not alone in this regard. In fact, certain eras in history record that the study of herbs, the use of herbs, was considered nothing more than witchcraft, and people were burned at the stake for using certain herbs in healing potions.
M/D.Panchalsays
Too much knowledge on Bssil.Many thanks to provide such very good truth.