What's in Season in New Jersey in Summer - Basil

Whether picked fresh from your container garden or purchased by the bunch at a local farmers’ market, basil is a favorite Jersey summer treat.

 season: 

June through September

 grow: 

Basil is easy to grow in containers or raised beds, and plants are often available at farmers’ market tables. If growing from seed, sow seeds after last chance of frost when soil temperature nears 60° F. Plants need full sun or partial shade and frequent watering. As plant grows, pinch back center tips to create a thicker plant and avoid early flowering.

 at the market: 

Look for fresh basil with roots still attached. Make sure leaves are not wilted, dried out, or bruised.

 store: 

Rinse well and place in a jar or vase of water, similar to the way you would treat cut flowers. Store at room temperature in a light area, but out of direct sunlight. If you change the water daily, basil will last for a week or more.

 wash: 

When ready to use, rinse leaves and gently pat dry with towel.

 cook: 

Basil is extremely versatile and works well with meat, poultry, and seafood recipes. It also provides a bright flavor when snipped and used in salads or pasta.

An annual herb of the mint family, basil is native to central and tropical Asia and Africa. It is believed by many to have originated in India.

TYPES OF BASIL:

The most common type of basil is sweet basil. Other types include:

• purple basil (less sweet than common basil)
• lemon basil (lemon flavor)
• Thai basil (licorice flavor)

Basil has a long history of use as a healing herb. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered beneficial to lifting the spirits, promoting digestion, and as an antidote to poisons, including snake bites.

6–8 inches:

Height of plant when basil leaves are usually ready to harvest.