Sweet Genovese Basil

Sweet Genovese Basil History

(Ocimum basilicum) This is the classic Italian sweet basil, prized for its large leaves, wonderful aroma and spicy flavor. Sweet genovese basil is the best choice for making pesto. The best genoese basil is said to be grown in Prà, a western delegation of the city of Genoa. The nearby presence of a large steel mill from the 1950s to the 1980s threatened the cultivar, said to be necessary to produce the “real” genoese pesto.

Planting Sweet Genovese Basil Seeds

Plants will grow 18-24″ tall. Genovese basil plants prefer a site with rich, fertile soil and at least six hours of sunlight each day. It is best to create a nutrient-rich bed for basil plants than to plant them in poor soil and rely on fertilizers to feed them. Plant Genovese Basil seeds indoors or directly sow the herb seeds outside after all danger of frost. Like most Basil plants, it grows best in full sun. For more growing information, check this out.

Preserving and Storing Your Super Sweet Genovese Basil For Later Use

Make successive sowings for a steady supply and make sure to dry some for winter use. Never place basil in the refrigerator; the cold air damages leaves. Preserve basil by freezing or in herbal vinegars. You can follow these tips to better preserve your basil throughout the year.

Cooking With Basil

Use fresh or dried for flavoring sauces, soups, dressings, and pesto. Here’s a recipe that you may enjoy as well.

Sweet Genovese Basil Uses Nutrition

Basil herbs contain exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin-A, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. They also supply beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health properties. You can find more information on the health benefits of basil in this article.

Other Herbs Worth Checking Out

Cilantro