Although spring seemed to start with a little hitch in its giddy-up, it’s safe to say the final days of winter have finally passed, and my mind is turning to all the great stuff we can grow quickly and enjoy all summer long, like basil.
Basil, known as the king of herbs, is an ancient herb brimming with beneficial phytonutrients.
It comes to us from the mint family, in a wide variety of types. Two of the most common are sweet and holy, which have strikingly different uses and properties that make them unique.
Holy basil is native to Southeast Asia, and is used for its many medicinal properties, such as treating insect bites and bronchitis. The herb also is beneficial in boosting the immune system, helping people with ADD or ADHD (attention deficit disorders) concentrate.
According to University of New England, holy basil can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Sweet basil, on the other hand, is used mainly as a cooking ingredient to help add extra flavor, but it offers us so much more. It offers stimulating and soothing properties/ According to animal studies, basil helps boost brain power, enhance memory and empower learning.
Several studies have demonstrated that basil has antidepressant-like properties and significantly helps to reduce anxiety and alleviate the effects of chronic stress.
A 2010 study revealed sweet basil can lower blood pressure almost as well as conventional medication, and it can elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which protect us from cancer and aging.
Basil also helps to soothe stomach cramps and alleviate pain in general. Research indicates that is possible because basil inhibits the formation of pain molecules.
Offering natural antibacterial action, sweet basil can kill a wide range of bacteria and fungi, and boost the effectiveness of standard conventional antibiotics, making it the perfect herb to eat when you are feeling under-the-weather.
Perhaps most impressive: Laboratory studies suggest sweet basil essential oil may be effective in killing cervical cancer and laryngeal carcinoma cells, giving us good reason to grow some this year.
Here are some invigorating and soothing ways to pamper yourself with the beauty of basil. Enjoy!
Email Laurakurella@yahoo.com. Read Laura Kurella’s blog, “Kurella’s Kitchen Encounters,” at www.sturgisjournal.com.
Beautiful basil iced tea
2 quarts decaffeinated, unsweetened iced tea
1 pint raspberries, washed
8 fresh basil leaves, washed
4 tablespoons sweetener
In a 2-quart pitcher, combine tea, raspberries, basil and no-calorie sweetener. Gently stir and refrigerate overnight. Add ice to individual glass and pour iced tea in each through a strainer to remove bits of herbs and fruit. Stir and enjoy.
Approximate servings per recipe: 8. Nutrition per serving: Calories 48; Fat 0g; Sodium 1 mg; Potassium 104 mg; Magnesium 11 mg: Carbohydrates 11g; Fiber 3g; Sugar 8g; Protein 0.6g.
Lovely razz-basil lemonade
2 pints fresh raspberries
1 cup sugar
3 cups water
8 lemons, zested and juiced
10 basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Arrange the raspberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through cooking, until soft and beginning to release their juices. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, basil, and 1 cup of water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and set aside to steep for at least 10 minutes or up to an hour. Remove the basil leaves and discard. Puree the raspberries with the basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and remaining water in a blender until smooth and frothy. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Taste and add more water as needed until your desired potency is reached - keeping in mind that adding ice to your glass will dilute the drink. Transfer to a pitcher with ice, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and bottoms up!
Approximate servings per recipe: 8. Nutrition per serving: Calories 60; Fat 0g; Sodium 3 mg; Potassium 52 mg; Magnesium 5 mg: Carbohydrates 16g; Fiber 0.3g; Sugar 13g; Protein 0.19g.
Marvelous basil-razz mojitos
1 cup simple syrup (3/4 cup sugar + 3/4 cup water, heated to dissolve)
1/2 cup torn basil leaves
1 cup fresh lime juice
2 cups white rum
1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liquor)
1 liter club soda
Ice
Fresh raspberries and lime slices to garnish
Pour the cooled simple syrup in a large pitcher and add the torn basil leaves. Use a large spoon/ladle to muddle the basil leaves so they release their flavor--beat them up pretty well. Add the lime juice, rum and Chambord. Stir. Add the club soda, stir, and top with ice if the pitcher allows. To serve, garnish each glass with fresh berries and lime slices. Serve over ice or chilled without ice.
Approximate servings per recipe: 8. Nutrition per serving: Calories 214; Fat 0g; Sodium 26 mg; Potassium 51 mg; Magnesium 5 mg: Carbohydrates 22g; Fiber 0.5g; Sugar 19g; Protein 0.19g.
The Link LonkApril 23, 2021 at 07:50PM
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Beauty of basil: Sip your way to good health - Sturgis Journal
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