If you have a basil plant and it has flowers, do not throw them away because you can use them in different ways. Below we show you everything.
Basil is one of the most loved and used aromatic herbs . Its aroma and flavor is truly unique and almost everyone loves it. It completes many dishes and gives it that extra touch that cannot be missing. Precisely because of its so much use, it is often decided to plant it close to home.
Whether you have a vegetable garden or a simple balcony, simply place a pot and start growing. This way you will always have it at hand and you won’t have to ask your fruit shop. It will always be fresh and taking care of it is really easy. Just have a few small precautions and you’re good to go.
What you don’t know, however, is that you don’t have to throw away basil flowers . In fact, even these are edible and you recognize them because they are similar to ears, just a little smaller and thinner. They grow and are usually cut and thrown away. Now let’s show you why you absolutely should not throw them away.
Do not throw away basil flowers
As we just said, basil has spikelets on each stem where there are small white flowers . These are usually cut when they reach a few centimeters. In fact, the cut will allow the stem to grow and, consequently, have more basil leaves.
Some of these spikelets, however, you can grow up to a maximum of 10/15 centimeters to be able to use them in the kitchen and beyond. When they have reached this length you can proceed to cut them but be careful because they are not consumed as well as the leaves and must first be dried .
So the spikelets are edible but must first be dried. Once you reach a decent length you can separate them from the basil plant which will continue to grow even more and you can put them in the sun for several hours . Be careful that there is no wind, otherwise the spikelets will fly away.
Once they are dry it will take about 48 hours, you can use them in different ways. However , we recommend putting this herb in a jar with a lid to ensure it retains its aroma. But let’s see how to use them in a very simple way below.
Basil Vinegar: Here’s How
With the dried spikelets you can obtain a vinegar with a basil imprint simply by pouring the dried spikelets into the bottle. Let everything infuse for about 7 days and then filter the mixture. Here you will have obtained basil vinegar in a very simple way without going to the supermarket.
Create a seedling
With basil spikelets it is also possible to multiply basil and give birth to a new seedling. In this case it is advisable to dry the spikelets directly on the plant. As soon as they rubbed it, then into soft soil mixed with sand. These should always be moist and exposed to the sun.
If you do this in spring or summer the result is guaranteed. After a few weeks you will see the first leaves appear and slowly the plant will begin to grow. These are just a few methods to use basil differently and you should at least try it.
