Looking for a way to boost the flavor of your meals? Basil is a great choice. This delicious herb is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C and it can be enjoyed on all Phases of the South Beach Diet. Fresh basil leaves can be used whole, torn, or chopped in salads, egg dishes, and sauces for pastas. Dried basil, on the other hand, is perfect for baked chicken or fish and in soups.
Buying Basil
There are many varieties of basil, all with slightly different flavors and
uses. Most American markets carry American basil, but you may find additional
varieties like purple basil, lemon basil, and others at your local farmers’
market. Basil can be purchased by the bunch or as a whole plant. The benefit of
buying the plant is that it will continue to produce leaves even after you've
picked some off. Keep a small plant on your kitchen windowsill, and you've got
a supply of basil to use for a few months. If you do buy bunches of basil from
the supermarket or farmers’ market, look for bright green leaves with no brown
spots or other signs of decay. Basil can also be purchased as a dried herb, but
it is far more aromatic when fresh.
Storing Basil
To keep basil fresh, put the stalks with their roots on in a jar of water, like
a bouquet of flowers, and keep outside the refrigerator. (Basil leaves turn
brown when refrigerated.) The basil will last for about four days. Dried basil
will keep in its container in a cool, dry place up to a year. Smell for
freshness before using.
Cooking with Basil
To use fresh basil, first pick the leaves from the stalk, then rinse well and
pat dry with paper towels. When making soups, stews, or tomato sauce, you’ll
get the most intense flavor from fresh basil leaves if you tear and sprinkle
them in when the dish is nearly finished cooking, since fresh basil does not
stand up well to heat. If you’re using dried basil, you can add it earlier.
