Breathtaking Basil

Several lab studies have shown that the contents in certain basil leaf extracts not only inhibit the growth of certain cancers, but they also kill established cancer cells. Basil may also protect the body from oxidative stress and DNA damage, two factors believed to play a role in the genesis of the disease.

Heart friendly

It seems the fragrant herb can please the heart as well as the palate. Basil helps protect the cardiovascular system by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, promote the relaxation of blood vessels, and suppress inflammatory enzymes in the body. Not surprisingly, researchers have concluded basil may be an ally in the treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke.

Brain booster

Basil won’t just enhance your pasta; it may also help to enhance your cognitive function. Oral supplementation of the herb improved the locomotor skills, neuromuscular coordination, memory retrieval, and learning ability in adult mice. While it’s too soon to say whether basil will have the same beneficial effects in humans, it’s certainly not too soon to enjoy the health-enhancing herb more often!

Recipes

• Mediterranean-Style Halibut
• Tuscan Pasta Salad
• Nectarine Basil Crumble
• Citrus Basil Tofu with Ricotta Basil Baguette “Croutons”

Save it for later

You can air-dry basil in small batches, but it retains its flavour best when frozen. To freeze basil, simply pour a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil in a blender or food processor, add fresh basil leaves, and process until the mixture is paste-like. Put the mixture into ice cube trays and, once frozen, store the cubes in a freezer bag. You can then add the cubes to your favourite recipes and enjoy basil’s delicious flavour all year round!

Grow your own!

Growing basil at home—whether outdoors or indoors—is an easy and economical way to ensure you always have the flavourful herb at hand to enhance your basil recipes. Here are a few tips to help you become a basil gardener extraordinaire!

• Basil thrives on warmth and light. Plant seeds or starter plants outdoors in a sunny part of the garden in nutrient-rich soil after any danger of frost has passed. Indoors, plant starter plants in containers with adequate drainage and place the pots in a sunny, south-facing window.
• To prevent root rot, keep soil moist— not soggy.
• For healthy growth, fertilize once per month with organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer helps maintain the proper pH levels in the soil (between 6 and 7.5).
• Pinch off any flowers that appear during growth to prevent them from “going to seed” and rendering the herb flavourless.
• When harvesting the plant, pinch off the stem just above a new leaf set.
• Harvest often—the more you pick, the more it will grow!