In a universe full of sources of stress, healthy nutrition enthusiasts promote a return to natural nutrition. Excess fats, fast sugars and additives often alter the well-being of an individual and harm their body. Because of this close correlation between body and mind, some have turned to organic alternatives, including plants with medicinal properties. Among the latter we find basil, which can be used in cooking but also transformed into essential oil. In this article, discover how to grow this plant at home.
Basil, whose scientific name is Ocimum basilicum , is an aromatic plant native to Asia. Widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, it can be used to prepare sauces, decorate salads or make infusions. If this plant is acclaimed by fans of Chinese medicine, it is because it is full of vitamins and minerals that offer endless benefits to the human body. In fact, basil contains several nutrients including provitamins A, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and manganese. To enjoy this aromatic plant, you can grow it at home. In addition to benefiting from the certainty of having an organic product, you will be able to enjoy the properties of basil for a long time.
The rules to follow when planting basil at home.
1. Plant basil
Basil can be grown in the garden or in a vase placed on the balcony. To do this, it will be necessary to choose a universal soil that allows the seeds to grow optimally. Also opt for a medium-sized terracotta vase since the plant can reach up to 60 centimeters in height.
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2. The location of the pots
Pots should always be placed in a sunny location protected from the wind: this plant needs 6 hours of sun per day. After choosing the proper location, fill the pots with <>/<> of universal potting soil.
3. Sowing seeds
Sow basil seeds in drained potting soil, spaced a few inches apart. Cover them with potting soil and then tamp down. Water with a little water and then cover the pot with plastic wrap.
4. The right time to grow basil
It is advisable to plant basil when temperatures rise, in May or June. The preferred planting period should be between the months of February and June. This seasoning plant needs a beautiful amount of sunlight to grow.
5. Watering the plant
In just a few weeks, the first basil leaves may begin to grow, but they will not be edible. It will be necessary to continue watering the plant regularly, especially in case of excessive heat. After a month, the leaves will have developed and can be picked.
6. Conservation and maintenance of the plant
To better preserve the plant, care should be taken to water it regularly, but not excessively to prevent water from stagnating and destroying the planting. Also, it is best not to place the pot in a place where there is too much wind. Finally, it is necessary to cut the weeds and flower stems that grow on the plant.
Methods to preserve collected basil leaves.
1. Oil
After picking your basil leaves, you can wash them with water and then dry them. Then place them in a jar, one on top of the other. Cover everything with extra virgin olive oil and store the container in your cupboard. Using this method, basil leaves will store for two months.
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2. Salt
To preserve basil leaves, start by washing and drying them. Then, cover each basil leaf with fine salt before putting them in a jar. This trick helps preserve basil leaves for two months.
3. The freezer
For this preservation method, wash and then dry the basil leaves. Then chop them finely and soak them with extra virgin olive oil. Divide the mixture into the ice cube tray or several small boxes and store in the freezer.
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