You cut fresh basil by stacking the leaves, rolling them tightly, and slicing them into thin ribbons.   This technique, known as chiffonade, is the best way to cut fresh basil because it prevents bruising and keeps the leaves’ essential oils intact.   Whether you’re tossing it into pasta, garnishing a caprese salad, or stirring … Read more

You cut basil leaves from the plant by snipping them just above a pair of leaf nodes, which encourages fuller, bushier growth.   This is one of those simple gardening tasks that makes a huge difference in how your basil plant thrives.   If you’ve ever wondered how to cut basil leaves from the plant … Read more

You cook with fresh basil by adding it near the end of cooking or using it raw to preserve its bright, peppery flavor and delicate aroma.   Cooking with fresh basil is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday dishes, from simple pasta to summer salads, because this herb brings a sweet, slightly spicy … Read more

You cut back basil plants by pinching or snipping the stems just above a pair of healthy leaves, and this simple technique is the secret to a fuller, bushier, and more productive herb.   When you cut back basil plants regularly, you’re not just tidying up; you’re actually encouraging the plant to branch out and … Read more

You can cook with basil in so many delicious ways, from tossing fresh leaves into salads to infusing them into oils, sauces, and even desserts.   Basil is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen, and learning how to cook with basil properly can elevate everything from a simple pasta dish to a … Read more

You can collect seeds from basil by letting a few of your healthiest plants flower and go to seed, then harvesting the tiny black seeds once the flower spikes have dried out.   It’s one of the most rewarding little projects in a home garden because you get a fresh supply of seeds for next … Read more