Everything you need to know about the basilica

India is considered the cradle of basil, but in the Middle Ages this plant from the mint family was widespread in Europe. The benefits of basil are proven by many experts. There are many varieties of different colors in stores nowadays - in shades of white, pink and purple. Even the leaves do not have to be the classic green, their black and purple color is not exceptional.

The benefits of basil

Basil is commonly grown as a spice, but its therapeutic effects should not be overlooked. Most often it is used in the form of a brine (pour 1 teaspoon of dried basil with boiling water and let it stand for 10 minutes). Serve for breathing problems and colds. In addition, when basil is exposed to the stomach wall during digestion, the production of digestive juices increases, which contributes to loss of appetite. Reduces tension in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, and eliminates intestinal problems.
Basil leaves contain essential oils that help relieve itching from insect bites. The leaves of flowering plants are most effective.
The invigorating effect of essential oils is effective against fatigue, nervous tension and stress.

Basil in the kitchen

There are many uses for basil in the kitchen. Basil is best processed immediately after cutting (just before flowering) as it has the most intense flavor. Use whole leaves as an ingredient in salads. Leaves that are cut into pieces are better suited for use as a spice for meat. It is advisable to remove the stalk from larger leaves. Its taste is fully revealed in combination with chicken meat. Of course, dried basil can also be used. Dry shredded leaves in the shade or in an artificial dryer at a maximum temperature of 40 C.

Growing basil

Basil is an unpretentious plant to grow. It can be purchased in a pot or grown from seed. There are 3 main rules when growing basil: plenty of water, warmth and light. Sowing basil can be done twice a year in spring and autumn. And since we have May, this is the best time. How to do it?
Pour about 3 to 4 cm of substrate into a box or other container. Sow appropriately and sprinkle with the substrate again. Pour with lukewarm water and place, best of all, on a sunny windowsill. Add water after about 2-3 times if necessary. Within a week, the first cotyledons begin to appear. You need to wait until the plants grow and transplant them. Plastic pots are best suited for this purpose. Earthy basil loves water, and as mentioned earlier, it needs a lot of it.

If you want basil to grow in your garden, you first need to transfer it to an “interstage” yogurt cup with a hole in the bottom. Then the harvest will be rich enough. Since this plant does not tolerate cold, it should not be planted in the ground until June. But already in May, you should put the basil in the street sun during the day, and at night it is better to put it in your home warmth. Whether grown in your home or outdoors, basil still requires water, water, and more water! If you forget to water it, then the leaves will certainly drop. In order to get a rich harvest, you need to prevent the plants from blooming, pinch them off in time. It is best to grow basil as an annual plant, leaving 2-3 plants to bloom. It is enough to collect the seeds after flowering and you can plant them again in the spring.