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Farm to Table Delight: Genovese Basil at BLeaves Farms

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From Bounty to Seeds: Harvesting and Cooking with Genovese Basil

Genovese Basil

At BLeaves Farms, we pride ourselves on the freshness and flavor of our produce, and one of our crown jewels is our delightful Genovese basil. This herb is a must-have for farm to table cooking, adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. This season, our Genovese basil has grown vigorously, with an aroma that makes your mouth water. It has recently begun to go to seed. Rather than letting it go to waste, we decided to prune it back and collect seeds for next season. Here’s how you can do the same and make the most of this versatile herb.

Why Genovese Basil is a Farm to Table Favorite

Genovese basil is renowned for its sweet, slightly spicy flavor and fragrant aroma. It’s the perfect addition to a variety of dishes, such as:

  • Pesto: A classic use for Genovese basil, blending fresh leaves with pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
  • Caprese Salad: Layering basil leaves atop fresh heirloom tomatoes, Bufala mozzarella, with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil with salt and pepper to taste. This was a favorite I learned to make while living in Europe!
  • Pasta Dishes: Adding a handful of fresh basil to pasta sauces or dishes for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Pizza Topping: Sprinkling chopped basil on pizza just before serving for a burst of freshness.
  • Herb-Infused Oils: Creating aromatic oils for drizzling over salads or dipping bread.

Pruning and Collecting Basil Seeds

To ensure we have a bountiful supply of basil next season, we embarked on the task of pruning and collecting seeds. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Pruning the Basil

  1. Identify Flowering Stems: Look for stems that have started to flower and produce seeds. These will have small white or purple flowers at the tips.
  2. Cut the Stems: Using clean, sharp scissors or garden shears, cut the flowering stems about 6 inches below the flowers. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing more leaves rather than seeds.
  3. Trim Back Excess Growth: Prune any overgrown stems to promote a bushier plant. This encourages more leaf growth and can extend the harvest period.

Step 2: Drying the Basil Stems

  1. Bundle the Stems: Gather the cut stems into small bundles and tie them together with a piece of string or a rubber band.
  2. Hang to Dry: Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can degrade the flavor and potency of the seeds.
  3. Wait: Allow the stems to dry completely, which can take about 1-2 weeks. The seeds are ready when they easily fall off the stems when rubbed between your fingers.
  4. Or my own personal favorite method, is let the sun do the work, and harvest the seeds once they’ve dried on the stem. This is Mother Nature’s method as well!

Step 3: Collecting the Seeds

  1. Prepare a Container: Use a clean bowl or a paper bag to collect the seeds.
  2. Rub the Stems: Gently rub the dried stems over the container to release the seeds. You can also shake the bundles to help dislodge any remaining seeds.
  3. Separate the Seeds: Remove any chaff or plant material from the seeds. A fine mesh strainer can help with this process.
  4. Store the Seeds: Place the seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season.

Uses for Fresh Genovese Basil

While you’re collecting seeds, don’t forget to use the fresh leaves in your cooking. Here are a few more ideas:

  • Basil Butter: Blend softened butter with chopped basil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread on bread or melt over grilled main dishes.
  • Basil Lemonade: Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and sugar, then mix with water for a refreshing drink.
  • Herb Soups: Add a handful of basil leaves to soups like tomato basil or minestrone for added depth of flavor.
  • Basil Cocktails: Use basil to infuse spirits like vodka or gin, or muddle it in cocktails like mojitos or margaritas.

Conclusion

At BLeaves Farms, our Genovese basil is more than just a herb; it’s a staple in our farm-to-table cooking. By pruning and collecting seeds, we ensure that this wonderful plant continues to thrive season after season. Whether you’re making pesto, topping your pizza, or infusing oils, Genovese basil adds a delightful touch to any dish. So, join us in celebrating this fantastic herb, and happy cooking and gardening!

Be sure to check back soon, as we’ll be sharing our favorite Pesto recipe in our on our BLeaves Farms Farm to Table Blog!

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