HERB BASICS 101 – BASIL BASIL – A challenging plant to start from seed. Thrives in full sun, but should be sheltered from hard winds. Soil should be fertile, moist and well drained. Best results come from being placed in a humid greenhouse. Pinch tips to promote undergrowth and fullness. This plant is more susceptible to insect invasion because of the shape of the leaf, which provides a nice sheltered home to lay eggs. Basil tea is also known as Tulsi tea and has been the principal herb used in Ayurveda for over 5000 years in India. In Sanskrit, Tulsi translates as “incomparable one”. Used by spiritual leaders for protective properties in many different sacred ceremonies. Contains vitamins A, C, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium and chlorophyll. Promotes higher blood production and has traditionally been used for heart issues, diabetes, fever and cold, anti-aging effects, asthma, respiratory disorders, digestion, kidney stones, stress, skin and teeth, eradicating radiation damage, immunity, headaches, painkiller, hair loss, anti-inflammatory, insect bites, arthritis, chicken pox, ear, throat. Tea is NOT to be used during pregnancy. TIP – Spray plants up to 3x daily with 1-2tbsp of neem oil with water to prevent bugs, strengthen plant and gives a shiny appearance. This is the most natural and complimentary insecticide and can be used on all plants (especially good for the ones with big leaves that I used to watch my mom coat in butter to remove dust!) PLEASE NOTE - Herbs are a very powerful medicine and should only be used under proper guidance. NEXT UP…Oregano… SPAGETTI SAUCE RECIPE 1 lb lean ground beef (GreenPantry) 2 small carrots, finely grated (GreenPantry) ¼ cup onions, minced (GreenPantry) 2 tbsps brown sugar 2 large tomatoes on vine, chopped (GreenPantry) 1 small can tomato paste 1 large canned tomato sauce 3-5 large basil leaves 2tbsp oregano leaves Fry beef, add carrots, onions and brown sugar, cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat. Add tomatoes, paste and sauce, rub herbs between fingers to release oils and add. Simmer until desired consistency. *The longer herbs are able to simmer in sauce, the more flavor they will release.
Posted on: Fri, 09 May 2014 16:55:30 +0000
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