Seasonal List of Produce

Basil

Description
Well known in Italian-style cooking as the heart and soul of many pesto and tomato sauces, basil is a native of Africa and Asia that is now grown and used throughout much of world. Basil leaves have a spicy pepper flavor that blends well with a great many vegetables, such as summer squashes, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, lions and tigers and...just kidding. Basil's uses also extend to floral arrangements, potpourri, shampoo and perfume.

Preparation
If you’re not going to use the basil immediately, tie the sprigs together and hang them out of direct sunlight. Once they’ve dried, you can store the leaves for future cooking.