Balsamic-Glazed Cippolini Onions with Fresh Tomatoes served on Basil leaves.This past weekend at the Pearl Farmers Market they had a Basil Fest. The event was spear-headed by the San Antonio Herb Society. So we bought basil plants while at the market. We decided to get several varieties, rather than just Sweet Basil. And they did have other plants so we bought tarragon as well.
I’m planning to experiment with some of the different varieties. Who knows what new dishes I’ll come up with! I don’t have a lot of information to go on for most of them. I did find something that suggests that the Purple Ruffles Basil has a mild flavor that is delicious in salads. It can also lose its purple color in the Texas heat and turn a bronze color. That sounds pretty too!
All the Basils – just after they were planted.Opal Bush Basil – I was surprise that this was a basil since its leaves are so small.Purple Ruffles Basil – I like this one for its color and its ruffled leaves.Red Lettuced Leaved Basil – This is a new variety – at least new to our area.Sweet Basil – This is what is typically meant when Basil is called for in a recipe.French Tarragon – Not a basil at all. I just needed tarragon for my herb garden.
Have you used any of these basil varieties? What recipes do you have that use basil?
I love to cook. I’m also a health coach, a path I chose after going through a health crisis which taught me the importance of eating healthy meals. Now, I want to combine the two — health coaching and cooking — to help people learn to cook healthy meals. To plan healthy meals. And to eat healthy meals. For more, please visit Your Cooking Coach.
