The basil type very much preferred by chefs, ideal for Italian, French or Greek recipes.
When used in cooking it will add a strong flavour, a bit like a combination of aniseed and cloves.
Below you will find:
– How to grow Genovese basil at home
– How to use Genovese basil & examples recipes
How to grow & use Genovese basil
You will need:
- 1 bag Genovese basil seeds
- Plant pot & soil
- 1 Seed tray (optional)
- 1 Heating mat (optional)
How to grow
The first step is to get the basil seeds.
- You can order them online from Amazon or some garden centres will sell them.
The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil.
- Fill a plant pot (or a few pots ) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.
- Quick tip – If you put the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start growing quicker then simply putting them in soil.
- Quick tip – Instead of using plants pots start the seeds using a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.
Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave them to sprout.
- The seeds will germinate in 12 to 40 days.
- Quick tip – Use a heat mat. All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.
- For more info & why it works so well have a look at our article on a seed starter mat
Help them grow
- When they’ve grown thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 38 cm between plants, Then simple put them somewhere warm and sunny and wait for them to grow.
- One option (depending on the time of year or where you live) is to use an indoor grow light.
Notes
It is ideally suited for planting outside in a pot on a balcony or terrace or inside on a sunny windowsill (or using lighting)
How to grow it using Hydroponics or Aquaponics.
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow using hydroponics – As it will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.
New to hydroponics? – Top 5 hydroponic kits for beginners
But in addition it is ideal for aquaponics – especially because it loves nitrogen. In addition, whether using hydroponics or aquaponics you will be able to grow it all year around – providing you with fresh herbs when you want it.
2. Sweet Basil v Genovese Basil
If you buy basil in a shop then you will most likely get either sweet or Genovese basil. (very often called the same)
However, even these 2 European varieties are different.
- Sweet basil – has a flavor tasting a bit like a blend of licorice and cloves with a hint of mint.
- Genovese basil – is a stronger flavour preferred by chefs – a bit like a combination of aniseed and cloves.
So if your recipes require a subtle basil flavour use sweet basil. On the other hand if you prefer a stronger flavour (ideal for either Italian or dishes containing tomatoes) grow Genovese basil at home
The best way to make sure you get the right type for your recipes is to grow your own basil at home.
3. What is Genovese basil used for
It is the ideal herb to grow if you like cooking Mediterranean or European Dishes.
As mentioned earlier it is great if you prefer a stronger flavour (ideal for either Italian or dishes containing tomatoes)
For example Italian, French or Greek recipes.
Example recipes:
4. Examples of popular recipes that use Genovese basil
The type of basil you use will differ depending on the flavour you need, as well as recipe requirements.
Below are some examples of popular ways of using Genovese basil in cooking.
Oven dried Roma tomatoes
How to make pasta with Parma ham and tomato sauce
Simple Chorizo sauce pasta
Pork meatballs in tomato sauce
Tomato and Basil Soup
How to make basil pesto nut free
More information
Both the seeds & plants are available online.
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