You do not need to refrigerate basil, and in fact, doing so is one of the quickest ways to turn those vibrant green leaves into a sad, black, slimy mess. If you’ve been wondering if you need to refrigerate basil to keep it fresh, the short answer is no, because basil is a tropical … Read more
Yes, you need to prune basil, and it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your plant healthy and productive. Pruning basil isn’t just about making your plant look neat; it’s the secret to a bushy, abundant harvest all season long. When you prune basil correctly, you encourage the … Read more
You should not keep fresh basil in the fridge if you want it to stay vibrant and flavorful. Storing fresh basil in the fridge is a common mistake that often leads to wilted, blackened leaves and a loss of that fragrant, peppery punch. While some herbs like parsley or cilantro actually thrive in … Read more
You don’t have to water basil every day, and in many cases, doing so can actually harm your plant. Basil watering needs depend on your climate, pot size, soil type, and whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. If you’ve been watering basil every day because you think it’s thirsty, you might be … Read more
You do include basil stems in pesto, and they can absolutely be blended right into the sauce for extra flavor and texture. If you’ve ever stared at a pile of fresh basil and wondered whether you should include basil stems in pesto or toss them in the compost, you’re not alone. Most recipes … Read more
You do have to wash fresh basil before using it, and it’s a step you shouldn’t skip. Fresh basil straight from the garden or the store can carry dirt, tiny insects, and even chemical residue that you definitely don’t want in your pesto or on your caprese salad. Washing fresh basil is quick, … Read more