John M

Yes, you should put basil in tomato soup, and it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate the entire bowl.   Basil and tomatoes are a classic pairing that feels like they were made for each other, and adding basil to tomato soup brings a fresh, aromatic brightness that canned or plain versions simply lack. … Read more

You should rinse basil, but the exact approach depends on how you plan to use it.   Rinsing basil is a quick way to remove dirt, tiny bugs, and garden residue, yet many home cooks wonder if a quick rinse damages those delicate leaves.   The short answer is that you can absolutely rinse basil, … Read more

You can put fresh basil in the fridge, but only if you store it the right way to keep those vibrant leaves from turning into a sad, slimy mess.   Fresh basil is one of those herbs that can be incredibly finicky when it comes to cold storage, and popping it straight into the fridge … Read more

Yes, you should pinch basil to get the healthiest, bushiest, and most productive plant possible.   When you pinch basil, you’re not hurting it—you’re actually giving it a signal to grow stronger and fuller.   This simple gardening trick is one of the easiest ways to keep your basil from getting leggy, woody, and sparse. … Read more

Yes, you should pick the flowers off basil to keep your plant productive and your leaves flavorful.   When you pick the flowers off basil, you’re telling the plant to focus on growing more leaves instead of setting seeds.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you pick the flowers off basil or just let them … Read more

Do you need to wash basil leaves? Yes, you absolutely need to wash basil leaves before using them in your cooking.   It’s one of those kitchen steps that might feel like a hassle, but washing basil leaves is crucial for removing dirt, bugs, and any lingering residues that can end up on your fresh … Read more