Instructional &
Informational Posts
It’s Friday and you've worked hard this week so, how about something easy? It’s the Fast Friday 5 – a quick five things you need to know, served up nice and simple.
Gardens across Canada are overflowing with lush fresh basil right now. Whether it’s purple, green or smells a bit like lemon, here are 5 ways to take advantage of your basil bounty.
1. Soak in It. If you’re feeling stressed, slip into a basil bath. Just add fresh whole leaves of basil to your bath; the aroma will calm your nerves plus the natural oils are soothing to dry skin. Dry basil works as well just not as quickly and we’d recommend you only do this if you have whole leaves because cleaning out those tiny little pieces is sure to bring back that stress in a hurry!
2. Tea Time. Steep up some relaxing basil tea to help with digestion and even cramps. Basil has anti-inflammatory powers, which is why ayurvedic doctors often recommend it for happy tummies. Plus, inhaling the steam of a snuggled mug of basil tea is sure to put your mind at ease.
3. Basil Poultice. Who knew that taking basil on a hike or camping trip could save some tears? It turns out that basil is an effective way to take the sting out of bug bites. Just chew up a few leaves, place it over the sting or bite and secure with moist cotton bandage. You’ll be happily whistling down the trails again in no time.
4. Basil Ice Cream. Sweet, sweet basil – why don’t more people put you in ice cream? If you’re exploring the world of healthier ice creams made at home, basil can open up a whole new universe of flavour options. Strawberry basil, lemon basil orange, purple basil vanilla, peachy basil…we could go on but there are empty cones waiting.
5. Green Oil. One of the easiest ways to dress up your soups and salads is with a drop or two of basil oil. Luckily, it’s easy to make. Just blend two cups of blanched basil and one cup of good organic olive oil. Then strain through a moist cheese cloth lined sieve until it runs clear (it might take a few passes). Pop it in a fancy little bottle for an impressive hostess gift or drizzle it into your cuisine for family adoration.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get out to that garden and pick your basil because the only bad use for basil is to fill up your compost!
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Make the Fast Friday Five list grow. Share in the comments below how you're putting to use your basil bounty!
