The next time your basil starts to flower, think twice before simply yanking those flowers aside.

Basil, a beloved herb in kitchens around the world, is best known for its aromatic leaves that enhance many dishes. But what to do with the flowers that develop on your plants? Often, gardeners and cooks will remove them to encourage leaf growth, thinking that their appearance means the plant has reached its peak. However, basil flowers are far from useless.

They have several benefits and applications that you may not have considered. Here’s why you should save your basil flowers and how to best use them in your garden and kitchen.

  1. Use Basil Flowers as a Flavorful Garnish
    Basil flowers are edible and offer a milder, more subtle version of the classic basil flavor. Their delicacy and flavor profile make them an ideal garnish for a variety of dishes. 

    • Salads: Add a pop of color and a hint of basil flavor.
    • Soups and pastas: Use flowers as a finishing touch.
    • Cocktails: Incorporate some flowers for a unique presentation and herbal flavor.
  2. Make Basil Flower Infused Oil
    Infusing oils with basil flowers is great for capturing their flavor. Use this oil in salad dressings, marinades, or as a final seasoning. 

    • Preparation: Mix the flowers with olive oil in a sterilized bottle. Let sit in a cool, dark place for 1 to 2 weeks.
    • Use: Strain the flowers and use the oil to add a fresh note to your dishes.
  3. Brewing Tea with Basil Flowers
    Brewing basil flowers into herbal tea offers a slightly sweeter, floral taste, while still retaining the aromatic qualities of the leaves. 

    • Preparation: Use fresh or dried flowers to infuse in boiling water.
    • Flavor: Enhance with honey or lemon.
  4. Make Basil Flower Vinegar
    This infused vinegar can be used in salad dressings or as a base for homemade pickles. 

    • Preparation: Infuse the flowers in white wine or cider vinegar.
    • Use: Strain and use to add a floral note to your dishes.
  5. Attract Pollinators to Your Garden
    Basil flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, improving the overall health of your garden. 

    • Use: Leave some flowers in bloom to attract pollinators.
  6. Make Basil Flower Pesto
    Use the flowers for a pesto with a floral flavor profile that’s great on sandwiches, pasta, or as a dip. 

    • Preparation: Mix the flowers with garlic, walnuts, parmesan, olive oil and salt.
    • Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
  7. Dry Flowers for Later Use
    Dried flowers retain their aroma and can be used in teas, potpourris, or as spices. 

    • Method: Air dry them or use a dehydrator.
    • Storage: Store in airtight containers.
  8. Incorporate basil flowers into homemade skin care
    With their antioxidants and antibacterial properties, the flowers are ideal for skin care. 

    • Use: Add them to facial steams or infuse them into oils for hydrating treatments.

Basil flowers are incredibly versatile and can transform both your dishes and the health of your garden, so save them to discover their golden potential!

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