Here comes the fresh and juicy, juicy tomatoes off the local vines. Here comes the fresh strawberries hand-picked from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. And here comes the abundance of fresh sweet basil from my garden. Seeing the shiny, glossy green leaves of this special herb is a summer delight. Touch or rub the leaves and its aromatics lace the air with a spicy and distinguished fragrance. So, let the foodies challenge begin! We adore this herb. My summer plates evolve around the inclusion of basil. And by first frost (Zone 7), fresh basil plants and their bounty will be a fleeting memory and sorely missed. So, while basil is here, it’s king. (The name Basil comes from the Greek word “Basileus” meaning King or people’s leader).
Here are some simple suggestions for the aforementioned. You don’t need a recipe, just snip the leaves, cut up the tomatoes, slice the strawberries and make mouth-watering crowd pleasing and nutritional dishes. Warning… fresh basil is intoxicating, garden-fresh tomatoes… addictive and fresh strawberries…well there are never enough.




Maintaining fresh-cut herbs: Suggest trimming the sprigs in the AM before the heat of the day arrives. Then immediately rinse under cold water, shake off excess and place the bunch of cut herbs in a container of water. Place container in a cool place away from sunny windows. Your bouquet will stay fresh and last a remarkable amount of time, while also bringing in the aromatics of the plant to your kitchen.
That salad on the bottom looks mmmmmmm!!!! I did not have good luck with my herbs this year :(. Not sure if it was earwigs or what?? I am glad yours are doing good!
LikeLike
Thanks Chicken Grandma!
LikeLike
What a yummy time of year 🙂
LikeLike
Yummy is right!
LikeLike
It does look good! And I love basil, the balmy, comforting smell that makes you feel summery even in winter!
LikeLike
Oh, yes, the smell of basil cooking is heavenly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two of my favorite ingredients…fresh basil and tomatoes. I could dive through the screen for your salad. 🙂
LikeLike
Love your enthusiasm!
LikeLiked by 1 person