5 Things You Can Do With Basil Flowers: Don’t Throw Them Away
Welcome Tips 5 Things You Can Do With Basil Flowers:…
Basil is a popular herb, prized for its fragrance and delicious flavor that enhances many dishes. However, it is often the leaves that are used, while the basil flowers are often overlooked. Don’t make the mistake of throwing them away, as basil flowers have many interesting uses. In this article, we’ll explore five things you can do with basil flowers to get the most out of this versatile herb.
1. Decorate Your Dishes
Basil flowers add an aesthetic touch to your dishes. Their vibrant colors, ranging from white to purple, can enhance the appearance of your dishes, transforming them into true works of culinary art. Basil leaves are often used to garnish dishes, but the flowers add an extra visual dimension. Add them to salads, pasta dishes, or appetizers to impress your guests with your creative flair.
2. Infuse Olive Oil
Infusing olive oil with basil flowers is a great way to capture the flavor and aroma of this herb. To do this, place cleanly washed and dried basil flowers in a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Let it sit for a week at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend. The result is a fragrant oil that can be used to dress salads, pasta dishes, or grilled vegetables.
3. Prepare herbal teas
Basil flowers can be used to make a fragrant herbal tea. Basil teas are loved for their soothing properties and refreshing aroma. To make basil flower tea, boil water and pour it over the fresh flowers in a cup. Let it steep for a few minutes, then enjoy this relaxing drink.
4. Create Edible Bouquets
Edible bouquets are a growing trend in the culinary world. Basil flowers are a perfect addition to these bouquets. You can combine them with other edible herbs and flowers to create floral arrangements that will add an artistic touch to your dishes. Edible bouquets can be used to decorate cakes, cocktails or even main courses.
5. Make Basil Flower Pesto
Traditional pesto is made with basil leaves, but basil flowers can also be used for this delicious sauce. Basil flower pesto has a slightly different flavor, but is just as delicious as the classic version. Mix basil flowers with garlic, parmesan cheese, walnuts, olive oil, and salt to create a sauce that is perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
In conclusion, don’t underestimate basil flowers. They have much more to offer than just decoration. Use them to add color, flavor, and aroma to your dishes, whether by incorporating them into traditional recipes or exploring new culinary ideas. Basil flowers are a great way to make the most of this versatile herb and reduce food waste.