January 2022: Italian Large Leaf Basil

This month's seed kit features Italian Large Leaf Basil! To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Italian Large Leaf Basil

Large, dark green leaves, pointed, and sturdy. Plants are about 2' tall. Excellent choice as microgreens.

Planting Instructions

• Culture: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Or start seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost date. Plant 1/4" deep with 2-4" between seeds, thinned to 8-10".
• Water: Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Plants grow well in warm temperatures but can show cold damage if grown below 50°F.
• Harvest: Harvest older leaves and pinch back flower buds for continuous leaf production.

More About Italian Large Leaf Basil

Long thought of as an Italian herb, sweet basil is actually a native of India and the Middle East. In addition to its many culinary uses, basil has a number of symbolic and medicinal uses. Wearing a sprig of basil in your hair may attract a potential spouse, while carrying the herb with you will bring wealth. A pot of basil given as a house-warming gift will bring good luck. Burning basil oil in a lamp is thought to aid concentration, and a basil oil massage may alleviate depression.

Cooking Tip:

That wonderful basil flavor tends to deteriorate quickly, so for best results add to cooked dishes at the last minute!

Tomato Basil Soup

• Serves: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes OR 2 14.5 oz. cans whole or diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. Sugar
• To taste: kosher salt and ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add in the diced onions and saute for 5 -7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add in the canned tomatoes with their juices, broth, bay leaves, and sugar. Bring to a boil and lower to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Remove bay leaves and add basil leaves. Transfer to a blender or use a handheld immersion blender to puree the soup.
4. Return soup to pot, add cream or coconut milk and reheat. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Note: Recommend using canned whole San Marzano tomatoes.

Craft: Thyme & Lemon All-purpose Cleaner

You'll Need:

• Lemon
• Handful of fresh Thyme
• Vodka or clear food grade alcohol
• White vinegar
• Glass pint jar with lid

Instructions:

1. Slice the lemon into thin rounds. Place the lemon and thyme into glass pint jar.
2. Pour in vodka/food grade alcohol until the thyme and lemon slices are just covered. Seal the lid. Let the mixture steep in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.
3. After 2 weeks, strain the mixture into a spray bottle. Top off the mixture with white vinegar.

This cleaner can be used on most surfaces, including your kitchen countertops since this spray is completely natural!