Grocery
Fresh Basil Leaves
What it is
This is a bunch of fresh basil, a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking. It features vibrant green leaves with a distinct aroma and flavor. Basil is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, particularly Italian and Southeast Asian dishes. The leaves are delicate and best used fresh to capture their full aromatic qualities.
How people cook with it
Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note to a wide variety of dishes. It is often added at the end of cooking or used raw to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Garnish for pasta
- Ingredient in pesto
- Flavoring for tomato sauces
- Topping for pizzas
To prepare basil, gently rinse the leaves under cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel. For most recipes, you will want to remove the leaves from the stems. You can chiffonade the leaves by stacking them, rolling them tightly, and then slicing them thinly. Alternatively, you can tear or chop the leaves depending on the desired texture and how intensely you want the basil flavor to infuse your dish. It is often added to dishes just before serving.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to dried basil, fresh basil offers a much brighter, more nuanced flavor profile. Dried basil tends to have a more concentrated and sometimes slightly bitter taste. Fresh basil's aroma is also more pronounced and complex, contributing a distinct herbaceousness that is difficult to replicate with dried versions.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use fresh basil to elevate their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
To keep the rest of your fresh basil vibrant, store it like a bouquet of flowers. Trim the ends of the stems and place them in a glass with about an inch of water. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Change the water every couple of days.