What can be better than Growing herbs Indoors, in your kitchen? And then use it as you prepare meals. If there is one thing I love when cooking is to use herbs grown by me. I love their color, alive and bright, filled with flavor, and furthermore; rich in antioxidants and nutrients for our bodies. There are more than 60 varieties of basil, sweet basil[ our topic] is the most widely used.
Why Grow Herbs indoors?
We have been growing and using herbs, forever. First used for its healing qualities. Herbs are easy to grow and versatile. They can be grown in the garden, window box, in a small pot, or like me, use an empty dog food can, with a few holes in the bottom;[no sharp edges] they thrive when harvested often. Plus herbs lose 1/2 of their nutritional value in the first 30 minutes after picking. Growing herbs in your kitchen means you get all the nutritional value for yourself and your family.
Let’s Get Planting Our Herbs
Firstly, Get ready to plant. My first choice for research in this series is the Sweet Basil herb. One of the oldest herbs known to man; The following supplies are needed; Well-drained soil I am using,’ Perfect Plant Organic Potting Mix, It has all the ingredients needed. containers- [I am using Max empty food cans] seeds or cuttings; along with a sunny windowsill. Total cost $24.97. You can use seeds, alternatively, I did cuttings. At this time, for cutting, I placed in a 16oz dog food can 1/2 filled with water. Cut a 4-inch section of basil stem[ no stem with flowers on] and placed it into the can, and within 7 days I had roots and transplanted; Two weeks later I transplanted it into my container with soil. You can buy a packet of seeds, and sow them directly into your planting pot. Place onto damp soil, cover with a bit more soil, and water frequently. Soon your baby plants will start sprouting.
Take care of your indoor herbs.
Your growing herbs indoors need about 6-8 hours of sunlight. Watering;— check by placing a finger into the soil, about 1 inch deep, if dry water use tepid water, near the stem, do not water the leaves. Temperature;— does not like cold weather. Fertilizer;— I got fertilizing sticks 50 to a pack. Use 1 every 4 weeks.
Pruning And Harvesting
Pruning and Harvesting; When a branch has six to eight leaves, prune. Then repeat pruning all the branches and just leave the original set of leaves. Basil love to bloom, don’t let them
After about 6 weeks, at this time pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering. If flowers do grow, just cut them off., because you want the harvest to continue. If the flowers are allowed to bloom the plant has completed its cycle and, will die. Prune often, up to 1/3 the size every 3-4 weeks. Flowering also affects the taste of the leaves, making them slightly bitter. You can take leaves from the plant when you need them. Storing;— Basil can be dried, [ 1 ] by hanging them in a cool dry place; [ 2 ] Chop leaves, cover with a thin layer of oil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze. [ 3 ] My favorite is to chop finely, add to oil, and freeze in an ice tray. when ready to use, just drop the frozen block into the pot.
The health benefits of Basil
Basil contains many healthy benefits, Minerals, and Vitamins, along with, antioxidants. And most importantly it’s essential oils. Unfortunately, most of these compounds disappear during the drying process. So for the health benefits, you need fresh basil. 2 tablespoons of basil contain 1 calorie; 0.2 grams of protein; carbohydrates 0.1 gram and 0.1 gram of fiber. Basil has no sugar or fat. It also contains Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, and Manganese Vitamins K +A
Heart Disease Prevention; Eugenol[ an ingredient in basil] May help to lower blood pressure by blocking calcium channels. Basil also contains magnesium, which may help to increase blood flow, by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax. And also help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, with the essential oils it contains. Improved Mental health; Research has noted that some of the health benefits compounds may help to reduce anxiety and depression. Increase the ability to think clearly and, lower the risk for age-related memory loss. Reduce Inflammation; The essential oils may help to lower the risk of arthritis, bowel issues, and heart disease. Protection Against Infections; The oil in this herb with its antibacterial properties, may help to fight bacteria in one suffering from abdominal. skin urinary and, respiratory infection. Blood Sugar; In a study performed on rats with diabetes; it was noted to reduce high blood sugar levels.
Other Usages Of Basil
It is also said that basil, will help indigestion; Eat a leaf or add 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil to hot water and drink. For coughing; pour boiling water over a handful of basil leaves, allow to steep for a few minutes, then drink. For headaches; add a tablespoon of dried basil to 2 cups of hot water, place in a large container, cover the head with a large towel, and breathe in the steam, for about 10 minutes. In cases of itchy insect bites; chew on a few leaves, then place them over the bite site, and the itching will stop. Stress relief; add 2 cups of basil tea to your bath, it will help you to relax and destress. Of course, there is no research on
Risk To Be Aware Off
There are risks associated with the use of basil. Basil has vitamin K, 1 Tablespoon contains 10.8 mcg of this compound.Vitamin K plays an important role in the clotting of our blood. 1 tablespoon gives us between 9 to 12% of our daily requirement. So if you are taking a blood thinner[coumadin] please speak to your Doctor before adding extra basil to your daily intake. Also, keep in mind that some of us may have an allergic reaction when in contact with herbs in the mint family. Basil is a member of the mint family
My Pesto Recipe.
- 5 cloves of chopped garlic.
- 1/4 cup pine nuts.
- 4 cups of basil.
- A pinch of salt.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil.
In a food processor, add garlic, pine nut, basil, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow to spin until completely blended. Now add cheese and the rest of the olive oil. Pulse blitz the ingredients for 1 minute, then process until the mixture is smooth, and above all the ingredients are chopped finely.
Basil oils are volatile, so remember it is best to add basil leaves to your pot; when the cooking process is almost finished, which gives you more of that delicious flavor. You can also try these tips; Sprinkle fresh, chopped basil over your pizza: Slice tomatoes layer over mozzarella cheese, cover with fresh basil leaves, then drizzle olive oil over the dish.: Sprinkle basil into soups: Make a marinade for your pork chops with basil, chopped garlic, and olive oil. Or just add fresh basil to your salad. With my freshly made presto, I then made Grilled Salmon and paired it with a red pinot noir, And life cannot get better than this right now. Fine Wine from Wine Ambassador, And above all, Delivered to my door. Refer 3 and your wine is free.
We are available to Contact with Regard to This site See How by CLICKING HERE
Response Magic