Basil will come to you as aromatic bunched or bagged leaves with a unique intense, smell. The leaves are round and vibrant green. At times, there may be small green buds at the top of your bunch’s stems.


When it's in Season at Hartwood Farm:

You may find basil from mid-July to late August.

Crop Category and What it Tastes Like:

Herb!

Basil is a tender and aromatic leafy green herb. Sweet basil is a common kitchen-garden staple used often In summer salads and Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Basil has a fresh, somewhat sweet flavor and mild peppery bite. Other varieties are common in Southeast Asian cuisines as well (Thai basil), although the flavor profile is spicier and similar to licorice and the leaves are smaller and darker.

How to Handle and Store:

While some people swear by storing basil in the crisper, we find that it gets black in the fridge. We prefer to store it on the counter in a glass of water, with a bag over it if possible. Alternately, you can pull off all of the leaves and store it in a cool place (not your fridge) in a Tupperware.

How to Prep for Use:

As it can blacken and go limp so quickly, we recommend using your basil within 1-2 days. Remove the leaves from the stems, gently wash the leaves, and use a salad spinner or pat to dry with a paper towel before use.

Ways to Cook and Eat:

Fresh basil is a wonderful addition to almost any summer dish. Julienne or chop the leaves or leave them whole and toss them into a salad mix. Add them on top of salad, pizza, chicken, or pasta. If cooking basil in any dish, you can add it right at the end to wilt it in and add a fresh, complex flavor, especially for sauce. While basil is highly perishable, it also freezes incredibly well in pesto form and dries well in an oven.

Quick and Dirty Hangry Farmer Go-To Preparations:

Basil is an easy way to amp up any dish. We love adding basil to salads, like caprese with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil. Another quick option is to add chopped basil to pasta dishes.

Typical time to:

  • Steam—Not recommended

  • Sauté—Not recommended

  • Bake—Not recommended

  • Boil—Definitely not recommended!

Our Favorite Recipes:

Caprese Salad (Love and Lemons)—a quick, easy, and delicious no-fail side salad! Make your own vinaigrette with olive oil and balsamic for more dressing or sub in your favorite vinaigrette. Bonus: add other in-season fruits and veggies, like fresh sliced peaches or roasted eggplant, for extra deliciousness!

Basic Pesto (NYT Cooking)—an easy sauce or topping for basically anything! Sub in sunflower seeds for a nut allergy and nutritional yeast if you’re dairy-free. Add to pasta, chicken, salads, or sandwiches