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Thursdays
and Fridays at 7:49 am and 5:00pm Hosted by Andy Griffin of Mariquita Farm in Watsonville.
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From left to right different types of basil: napolitano, genovese, greek, piccolo, lemon, thai BASIL RECIPES |
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July 22nd, 2004 Basil Theories This is Andrew Griffin of Mariquita Farm with Life On The Farm. It seems as though everybody is possessed with theories about how to best keep basil after harvest. My method is the best; buy fresh basil, make pesto, invite friends over to share it, and then preserve the savory experience in your memory. Unlike basil that has been kept in the refrigerator basil kept in the memory gets sweeter over time. Basil is a tropical herb. In frost-free zones of Asia basil grows as a perennial. Basil exposed to temperatures much below forty degrees will turn black and wilt. The average home refrigerator is a very hostile environment. Basil keeps best at around fifty degrees. I have found that fresh, clean, basil kept cool, not cold, in a plastic bag easily lasts a week. Some consumers prefer basil that has been harvested with the roots on so that it can be kept alive in a glass of water. That's ok for the consumer but it is hard for the farmer. Reason? Basil pulled up by the roots must be planted again and again. That means lots of diesel gets burned up in the tractor preparing land and sowing. It is much more economical to sow basil once and harvest the planting all season until the frost kills it. Tomorrow join me as I try to exorcize two more urban myths about keeping basil fresh. For K.U.S.P. this is Andrew Griffin. (Basil Theories Part 2, aired on July 23rd) copyright 2004 Andrew Griffin BASIL PESTO3 Tablespoons pine nuts or almonds, lightly toasted In a food processor (or blender), combine nuts, basil, parsley, and garlic. Pulse, until well chopped. With motor running, add oil in a stream. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in cheese and salt to taste. Store with a thin layer of oil to keep fresh and green. (The parsley helps keep the bright green color too.) ----- More about Mariquita
Farm: Website More about Andy's writings: Ladybug Letter Website Andy's Vegetable Photo Gallery: hundreds of vegetable and farming photos |
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