Monday, July 5, 2010

Purple Basil

I just love purple basil ! I would grow it every year even if I didn't like it as an herb. It is so pretty and attracts pollinators!


Today I started dehydrating some. Mmmm...it smells so good! If you have never dehydrated your own herbs you are missing out!




I was thinking about, if I have enough extra, doing some up for Christmas gifts.....there are so many people that I  can't really shop for but I would like to give a little something to. I always make a extra jams and jellies just for that reason!

I have been saving my little jars with this project in mind!


My friend, Texan, has been making some super cute labels for all her home canned goodies!  I was thinking of doing that for these. Who wouldn't love a jar of organic homegrown herbs all done up with a cute  label on the jar!

Just look how pretty this purple basil looks!

18 comments:

Tales from the Trails said...

Love basil in our food. It adds so much flavor to it. What a great Christmas gift idea.

the wild magnolia said...

You are right, who would not love a jar of organic homegrown herbs prepared by loving hands and beautifully labeled!

The purple basil is so beautiful!

Summer has turned your creativity to other areas!

Good job!

Sharon said...

Well, that's a great idea! Can you just dry them the normal way or does it change it somehow? My purple basil is about the only one of my herbs that is growing! What food does it taste the best in? I am really new at this.....

Melodie said...

Sharon,
you can dry them in a bag if you don't have a dehydrator...they seem to hold their color better in the dehydrator in my experience. Just use it in anything you want that Italian flavor in...pasta,soups sauces...

Texan said...

Well I agree girly, who wouldnt love a jar of those homegrown herbs! Thats a very good idea ... I have never planted that variety of basil, looks like I need to add that to my list!

Teresa said...

I absolutely love the scent of basil. I used to always make jam/jelly samplers for my grandpa. What else can you give the elderly? I love the idea of giving the herbs as a gift also.

LindaG said...

Can you actually reuse jars like that for jam and jelly? I usually put mine in the recycle bin.
Do they have to be water bathed or do you just put some sort of wax over the top?
It has been way too many years since I've had anything but store bought jam or jelly. I am clueless. :o

Melodie said...

Linda G ,

No,I only use these for herbs. You can reuse jars the a canning lid will fit on though for anything you hot water bath but not in the pressure caner,they will break! Years ago, folks used to seal jelly with wax...but I don't know anything about it.

IanH said...

That is a great idea for gifts! Currently i am starting to look for a dehydrator, but am not sure what to get. I figured on trying to dry some potatoes and apples, plus experiment with other fruits and veggies. With all the chickens, I will likely run out of freezer space. Any thoughts on what works best?

Lin said...

I have a few herbs growing on the side of the house. I love to go out and rub their leaves to smell their aroma! Mmmmmm, basil and oregano.....

Kelly Cook said...

Lovely plant! Have you thought about making infused oil with it also? Or herbed vinegar?

cottage garden farmer said...

I keep reading about the benefits of dehydrators, never used one myself but your basil looks lovely, maybe I should think about investing in one.

LindaG said...

Well, Melodie, that just shows how long it's been since I had any homemade jam or jelly... ;)

sunset pines farm said...

I grow a TON of purple basil!!! It started several years ago with a healthy plant, and not it has seeded throughout that entire part of the herb garden, and comes back each year. I haven't dried any, because mainly I make pesto and freeze it in jars for us or for gifts.

brokenteepee said...

That would make a lovely gift!

Texan is making gorgeous labels. I wish I had her creativity

John Going Gently said...

I wonder if we can getpurple basil in the uk,...looks lovely

how do u use it in cooking

Jim said...

Can you use purple basil for pesto? I usually use the green basil but was just wondering. Never thought to grow it for the flower as well.

Melodie said...

John,
Just like green basil!

Jabacue

It is the same as regular basil so I guess so,I have never made pesto!