Basil is one of the most popular and aromatic herbs, widely cherished for its flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Whether grown in a garden or a small pot on your balcony, basil is an easy plant to care for and always adds a fresh touch to your dishes. However, many people overlook basil flowers, often discarding them without realizing their potential. These small spikes of basil flowers are actually edible and can be used in a variety of creative ways. Here’s why you should never throw them away and how to make the most of them.
Why You Shouldn’t Discard Basil Flowers
When your basil plant starts to flower, it produces small white spikes, typically at the ends of its stems. Many gardeners trim these flowers off early to encourage more leaf growth. While this is beneficial for boosting basil leaf production, you can also leave some of the flowers to grow to a length of about 10-15 cm for culinary and other uses.
Once these flower spikes reach the right size, they should be dried before use. Basil flowers are not as delicate as the leaves, and they need to be dried to release their full potential. Here’s how you can use them once dried:
How to Dry Basil Flowers
- After the flower spikes reach the desired length, carefully cut them from the plant.
- Lay them out in the sun to dry for about 48 hours, making sure there is no wind to blow them away.
- Once they are fully dried, store them in an airtight jar to preserve their aroma.
Ways to Use Dried Basil Flowers
- Basil Vinegar
One of the simplest ways to use dried basil flowers is by making basil-infused vinegar. Simply place the dried flowers in a bottle of vinegar, let it sit for about seven days to infuse, and then strain the mixture. You’ll have homemade basil vinegar to enhance your cooking or salads without needing to buy it at the store. - Propagating New Plants
Basil flowers can also help propagate new basil plants. If you leave the flowers to dry directly on the plant, you can collect them later and use them to create new seedlings. Simply rub the dried flowers into soft, sandy soil, keep the soil moist, and expose it to sunlight. After a few weeks, new basil leaves will start to grow, giving you fresh plants to enjoy.
Conclusion
Basil flowers are not just ornamental—they are a treasure trove of possibilities! By drying and using them in vinegar or propagating new plants, you’re making the most of every part of your basil plant. Next time you see those little flower spikes, remember they’re worth keeping. Embrace these sustainable gardening practices and share your discoveries with fellow plant lovers!