Basil | A Fresh Taste of Summer

Image Source: yearroundveggiegardener.blogspot.com

Spicy Bush Basil is bordering the Edible Kent beds. With countless varieties of basil available, we chose this variety since it makes a great edible border. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, this variety adds a little kick to recipes that your average Sweet Basil can't beat.

This basil can be harvested throughout the growing season. Currently our plants are in dire need of some trimming. They are growing tall, but not out in the globe-like appearance seen above. For this reason, we are encouraging our supporters and volunteers to head out and get some trimmings. All you will need are your fingernails or some scissors. When harvesting Spicy Bush Basil, you can pinch off the leaves (and stem) at the top, allowing light to get to the lower parts of the plant and helping it take on its preferred globe shape. If you're a visual person, please take a look at the video below. While this video covers harvesting Sweet Basil, the same rules apply to our Spicy Bush Basil. 



It's important to keep in mind that you don't want to harvest the basil during the hottest points of the day. A good rule to follow is to harvest during the early morning hours or in the cool of the evening.

Now that you know a little about our basil and how to harvest it, feel free to head downtown and get some for dinner tonight. :) Just make sure you take what you need, leaving some green goodness for others to enjoy.

If you're unsure on how to use your fresh basil for dinner, please see the recipe below. As always Edible Kent is here to help and educate others on sustainable food production, if you have any questions or concerns, please email us at ediblekent@gmail.com.

Happy Harvesting! x 

Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce
By: Bon Appétit

Ingredients: 

• 4 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes with added puree (from two 28-ounce cans), divided 
  
• 1/4 cup pine nuts  
• 4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion  
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced  
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (finely crushed in plastic bag)  
• 3/8 teaspoon (or more) dried crushed red pepper  
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil, divided  
• 1/3 cup dry white wine  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation:
Place 1 cup crushed tomatoes in blender. Add pine nuts and blend until very smooth, about 1 minute.
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, fennel seeds, and 3/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper. Sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add remaining crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons chopped basil, wine, and oregano. Scrape in tomato mixture from blender and stir to combine. Simmer sauce until flavors blend, 5 to 6 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more dried crushed red pepper, if desired. (Note: Can be made 1 day ahead -- Cool, cover, and chill.)
Rewarm sauce. Mix in remaining chopped basil.
Makes about 4 1/2 cups