You should wash basil leaves before making pesto. Washing basil leaves before making pesto is a step you genuinely shouldn’t skip, even though it might feel like a quick rinse is optional. The truth is, if you’re asking whether you wash basil leaves before making pesto, the answer is a firm yes because … Read more
You should wash basil before freezing, but the key is to dry it completely before it goes into the freezer. If you’re wondering, “do you wash basil before freezing?” the answer is a big yes, because skipping this step means you’ll be freezing dirt, grit, and possibly tiny bugs along with those beautiful leaves. … Read more
You should wash basil after picking, and it’s a step you definitely don’t want to skip if you want clean, fresh-tasting leaves. Washing basil after picking is important because it removes dirt, tiny insects, and any residue that might be clinging to the leaves from the garden. But there’s a right way and … Read more
You can absolutely use the stems of basil for pesto, and doing so is a fantastic way to reduce waste and add a subtle, peppery kick to your sauce. Many home cooks toss the stems away, but they hold just as much aromatic flavor as the leaves, if not more concentrated in some ways. … Read more
Yes, you should trim basil flowers to keep your plant producing delicious, tender leaves for as long as possible. When you trim basil flowers, you’re signaling to the plant to focus its energy on growing new foliage instead of setting seeds. If you’ve been wondering whether you trim basil flowers or just let … Read more
Do you thin basil seedlings is a great question for any gardener starting their own herbs from seed. Yes, you should definitely thin basil seedlings to give them the best chance of growing into strong, bushy plants. I know it feels a little harsh to pull up tiny plants you’ve carefully nurtured, but … Read more