Yes, you can make pesto with basil paste, and it’s actually a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights.   Basil paste works beautifully as a base for pesto because it already has the concentrated basil flavor you love.   The question isn’t really whether you can make pesto with basil paste, but rather how to tweak … Read more

You can make pesto with basil stems, and it’s actually a fantastic way to cut down on kitchen waste while adding extra flavor and texture to your sauce. Most recipes tell you to pluck off those tender leaves and toss the stems, but that’s a missed opportunity for anyone who loves a bold, herbaceous pesto. … Read more

Yes, you can make pesto with basil that has flowered, and it’s actually a perfectly delicious way to use up those bolting herbs.   While many gardeners panic when they see those little white buds appear, flowering basil is far from ruined for pesto.   The key is understanding how the flowers affect the flavor … Read more

You can make pesto with basil flowers, and it’s actually a delicious way to use up those pretty blooms that appear when your basil bolts. In fact, making pesto with basil flowers is a game-changer for any home gardener who hates seeing their plant go to seed. You might have been told to pinch those … Read more

You can make pesto from frozen basil, and it’s actually one of the best ways to enjoy that vibrant, garlicky sauce when your garden is overflowing or you’ve stocked up at the market.   Frozen basil works beautifully for pesto because the freezing process locks in that fresh, aromatic flavor at its peak, and once … Read more

You can make pesto from holy basil, and it’s a fantastic twist on the classic Italian sauce that brings a peppery, clove-like kick to your kitchen.   If you’ve been wondering whether you can make pesto from holy basil, the short answer is yes, with a few easy adjustments to get the best flavor and … Read more