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
You do need to wash fresh basil before using it, and it’s a step you shouldn’t skip. Fresh basil straight from the garden or the grocery store can carry dirt, tiny insects, and even residue from handling. Washing fresh basil is quick, simple, and makes a huge difference for both food safety and … Read more