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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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Napolitano Basil, a ruffly, large-leaved basil that is similar to the classic genovese. BASIL RECIPES (pesto recipe below the article) |
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July 23rd, 2004 Son of Basil Theories (click here to read part one of this article, aired on July 22nd) This is Andrew Griffin of Mariquita Farm with Life On The Farm. Dried basil is almost an oxymoron. Basil is a mint family member. When basil is alive it exists in a unique, perfumed, cloud of complex and enticing aromas. Dried, basil might as well be hay, with only a dusty, faint mintiness to distinguish it from alfalfa. The essential oils that give basil its exotic kick are largely volatile, as in the Italian verb volare, meaning to fly. Kill basil by drying it to flakes, and its aromatic spirit simply floats away into the air. If you want basil to keep putting a fresh cut bunch into a vase of water as though it were a rose can work to extend its shelf-life. Remember though, that the green cut basil stems are not only taking up water but expelling fluids as well. If the water is not changed and the stems re-cut bacteria will grow and soon clog the plant's vessels. The basil will then ironically die of thirst in a vase of water. An economical way to preserve basil is to make a simple pesto with the freshest basil and the nicest olive oil. Freeze it in an ice cube tray. The little single serving sized cubes can be stored in a bag in the freezer to be used when the occasion demands. For a good pesto recipe click in the Life On The Farm link at K.U.S.P. dot org. For K.U.S.P this is Andrew Griffin. 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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