Purple basil, with its striking color and unique flavor profile, is a beautiful and aromatic herb to grow in your garden. However, like many gardeners, you might find yourself with an abundance of this vibrant herb and wonder, “What can I do with all this extra purple basil?” Fear not! This article will explore a myriad of creative and delicious ways to use your surplus, ensuring that none of your hard-earned harvest goes to waste. From culinary delights to homemade beauty products, the possibilities are surprisingly vast.
Culinary Adventures with Purple Basil
Purple basil isn’t just a pretty face; it boasts a complex flavor that often combines the classic basil taste with hints of licorice, clove, and even a subtle spiciness. This makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Experimentation is key!
Infusing Oils and Vinegars
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to preserve the flavor of your purple basil is by infusing it into oils and vinegars. These infused liquids can then be used in dressings, marinades, and for drizzling over finished dishes.
To make purple basil-infused oil, gently wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. Bruise them lightly to release their oils, and then place them in a clean, sterilized jar. Cover the leaves completely with a good quality olive oil. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking it occasionally. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove the leaves before using. Infused oil adds a vibrant hue and subtle flavor to your cooking.
For purple basil-infused vinegar, follow a similar process, substituting a good quality white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the olive oil. The infused vinegar is perfect for making salad dressings or pickling vegetables.
Purple Basil Pesto: A Twist on Tradition
While traditional pesto is made with green basil, using purple basil creates a visually stunning and equally delicious alternative. The flavor is slightly different, adding a hint of spice that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
To make purple basil pesto, combine fresh purple basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts for a more budget-friendly option), garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the food processor is running until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This vibrant pesto is delicious on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Adding Zest to Salads
Purple basil leaves can be added directly to salads for a burst of flavor and color. Their slightly peppery notes pair well with tomatoes, mozzarella, and other fresh vegetables. Try adding chopped purple basil to a Caprese salad for a visually appealing and flavorful twist. Purple basil elevates a simple salad to something special.
Flavoring Meats and Fish
Purple basil can be used to enhance the flavor of various meats and fish. Add chopped leaves to marinades for chicken, pork, or fish, or stuff whole leaves under the skin of poultry before roasting. The heat will release the basil’s aromatic oils, infusing the meat with its unique flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with purple basil in your favorite meat dishes.
Creative Culinary Uses
Beyond the basics, purple basil can be incorporated into a wide range of culinary creations.
- Purple Basil Simple Syrup: Create a simple syrup infused with purple basil to add a unique flavor to cocktails, lemonade, or iced tea.
- Purple Basil Ice Cream: Infuse cream with purple basil before churning it into ice cream for a surprisingly refreshing and flavorful dessert.
- Purple Basil Garnish: Use whole or chopped purple basil leaves as a garnish for soups, salads, and other dishes to add a pop of color and flavor.
- Purple Basil Butter: Blend softened butter with chopped purple basil and a pinch of salt for a flavorful spread that’s perfect on bread or vegetables.
- Purple Basil-Infused Water: Add a few sprigs of purple basil to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and subtly flavored drink.
Preserving Your Purple Basil Harvest
If you have more purple basil than you can use fresh, several preservation methods can help you enjoy its flavor long after the growing season is over. Proper preservation techniques ensure the flavor lasts.
Drying Purple Basil
Drying is one of the simplest ways to preserve purple basil. There are several methods you can use.
- Air Drying: Hang bunches of purple basil upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place until the leaves are completely dry and brittle.
- Oven Drying: Spread the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and dry them in a low oven (around 170°F or 77°C) until they are brittle.
- Dehydrator: Use a food dehydrator to dry the leaves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried purple basil has a more concentrated flavor than fresh, so use it sparingly.
Freezing Purple Basil
Freezing is another effective way to preserve purple basil. The leaves will lose some of their texture, but the flavor will remain intact.
- Freezing Whole Leaves: Wash and dry the basil leaves, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag or container.
- Freezing Basil Pesto: Make a batch of purple basil pesto and freeze it in small portions for easy use later.
Frozen purple basil is best used in cooked dishes rather than fresh salads.
Purple Basil Salt
Creating purple basil salt is an excellent way to preserve the flavor of your herb while adding a unique touch to your culinary creations.
To make purple basil salt, combine fresh, finely chopped purple basil leaves with coarse sea salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and the salt is slightly damp. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and dry it in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until the salt is completely dry. Store the purple basil salt in an airtight container. Purple basil salt adds a burst of flavor and color to any dish.
Beyond the Kitchen: Other Uses for Purple Basil
Purple basil isn’t just for cooking. Its aromatic properties and attractive appearance make it useful in other areas as well. Purple basil has many uses beyond the culinary realm.
Homemade Beauty Products
Purple basil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin. It can be used in homemade beauty products like face masks and toners.
To make a simple purple basil face mask, combine a handful of fresh purple basil leaves with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of yogurt. Blend the ingredients into a smooth paste and apply it to your face. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This face mask can help to soothe and brighten the skin.
Purple basil can also be used to make a refreshing toner. Steep a handful of fresh purple basil leaves in hot water for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool. Use the toner on your face after cleansing to help balance your skin’s pH.
Aromatic Uses
The fragrant leaves of purple basil make it a natural choice for potpourri and other aromatic creations.
Dry purple basil leaves and combine them with other fragrant herbs and spices, such as lavender, rosemary, and cloves, to create a homemade potpourri. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the scent. Purple basil adds a unique and refreshing aroma to your home.
You can also use fresh purple basil leaves to make herbal sachets. Simply fill small cloth bags with dried purple basil leaves and place them in drawers or closets to freshen the air.
Decorative Purposes
The vibrant color and attractive foliage of purple basil make it a beautiful addition to floral arrangements and other decorative displays.
Use purple basil stems and leaves in bouquets and flower arrangements to add a pop of color and a unique texture. The deep purple hue contrasts beautifully with other flowers and greenery.
You can also use purple basil to create decorative wreaths or garlands. Simply weave the stems and leaves together to create a fragrant and visually appealing decoration.
Natural Dye
Purple basil can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and other materials. The process involves boiling the leaves to extract their pigment. However, the color may not be as vibrant or long-lasting as synthetic dyes. It’s best to experiment with small batches and natural mordants to enhance the dye’s effectiveness.
Companion Planting
Like other basil varieties, purple basil can be used as a companion plant in the garden. It’s said to repel certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, and can also improve the flavor of nearby plants, particularly tomatoes.
Plant purple basil near your tomato plants to help protect them from pests and enhance their flavor. It can also be planted near other vegetables, such as peppers and eggplant, to provide similar benefits.
In conclusion, having extra purple basil is a gardener’s delight, opening up a world of culinary and creative possibilities. From infusing oils and vinegars to crafting unique pesto and incorporating it into beauty products, the uses for this vibrant herb are limited only by your imagination. Don’t let your surplus go to waste – embrace the versatility of purple basil and enjoy its unique flavor and beauty in every aspect of your life.
What are some easy ways to preserve my extra purple basil?
One simple method for preserving purple basil is to dry it. You can hang bunches upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place until the leaves are brittle and easily crumble. Alternatively, use a dehydrator or your oven on a very low setting. Once completely dry, store the crumbled leaves in an airtight container, away from light and heat, to retain their flavor and color for as long as possible.
Another excellent preservation technique is making pesto. Simply blend the purple basil with pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly alternative), garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Divide the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage. This allows you to easily use small portions of fresh-tasting pesto throughout the year.
Can I use purple basil in salads, and what flavors pair well with it?
Absolutely! Purple basil adds a visually stunning and flavorful element to salads. Its slightly spicier, sometimes clove-like, flavor profile works especially well in salads with fresh mozzarella (Caprese salad), tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The contrasting colors and flavors create a delicious and appealing dish. You can also tear the leaves into smaller pieces to distribute the flavor evenly.
Consider pairing purple basil with fruits like peaches, strawberries, or melons for a summery salad. Its peppery notes complement the sweetness of the fruit beautifully. Other ingredients that pair well include goat cheese, toasted nuts, and citrus dressings. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
What are some unique culinary applications for purple basil beyond common uses?
Purple basil’s unique color and flavor make it a wonderful addition to infused oils and vinegars. Simply steep fresh leaves in high-quality olive oil or white wine vinegar for several weeks, then strain out the leaves. The infused oil or vinegar can be used in dressings, marinades, or as a finishing drizzle for dishes. This method captures the essence of purple basil for year-round enjoyment.
For a truly unexpected treat, consider using purple basil in desserts. Its subtle spice complements chocolate particularly well, making it a fantastic addition to brownies, cakes, or ice cream. You can also muddle it into cocktails for a refreshing and aromatic twist. The possibilities are endless – let your creativity guide you!
How does the flavor of purple basil differ from sweet basil, and how does this affect its uses?
While both are members of the basil family, purple basil possesses a slightly more intense and complex flavor compared to sweet basil. Sweet basil has a more straightforward, sweet, and slightly anise-like taste. Purple basil often has hints of clove, cinnamon, or even licorice, lending a spicier and more pronounced character to dishes. This difference in flavor profile impacts how each basil is best used.
Due to its bolder flavor, purple basil can stand up to richer and more robust ingredients. It shines in dishes with tomatoes, garlic, and strong cheeses. While it can be used in place of sweet basil in many recipes, keep in mind that the final flavor will be noticeably different. You may want to use slightly less purple basil to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use purple basil to make tea, and what are the potential benefits?
Yes, you can absolutely use purple basil to make tea. Simply steep fresh or dried purple basil leaves in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves and enjoy the aromatic and flavorful tea. You can add honey or lemon to taste, if desired. The tea will have a slightly spicy and herbal flavor, distinct from teas made with other herbs.
Purple basil, like other basil varieties, is believed to have several potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Some traditional medicine systems also use basil for its digestive and calming effects. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, drinking purple basil tea can be a soothing and flavorful way to potentially support your well-being.
How can I incorporate purple basil into cocktails?
Purple basil adds a visually stunning and flavorful element to various cocktails. Muddle a few leaves directly in the glass to release their oils and aroma, then add your other ingredients. It pairs particularly well with gin, vodka, and tequila-based cocktails. Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit, to find complementary flavors.
Consider creating a purple basil-infused simple syrup for a more concentrated flavor. To do this, simmer equal parts water and sugar until dissolved, then add a handful of purple basil leaves. Let the mixture steep for about 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves. This syrup can be used to sweeten and flavor a wide range of cocktails. Garnish with a sprig of fresh purple basil for an elegant touch.
Is purple basil suitable for making pesto, and what are the considerations?
Purple basil pesto is a fantastic variation of traditional pesto, offering a unique flavor and vibrant color. The slightly spicier and more complex flavor of purple basil adds a different dimension to the classic dish. The deep purple hue also creates a visually striking pesto that is sure to impress. Follow the same basic pesto recipe, substituting purple basil for sweet basil.
Keep in mind that purple basil’s stronger flavor can sometimes be overpowering. You may want to use a slightly smaller amount of purple basil compared to sweet basil. Taste as you go and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the flavors and prevent the pesto from becoming too bitter. The resulting pesto is delicious on pasta, sandwiches, or as a spread for crostini.