Basil
A sweet, fragrant herb central to Italian and Thai cooking. Tear rather than chop to avoid bruising.
Used for
- pasta
- pizza
- salads
- make pesto
In the kitchen
- tear
- chiffonade
- make pesto
Picking it at the store
- Leaves should be deep green and fragrant — rub one between your fingers to check the scent
- Avoid black spots or yellowing, which mean it's well past its peak
Related terms
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