Buying Basil is not as simple as many people would think. Here is a guide on how you should buy Basil at the store. Basil can also be found in the open-air market or online. As a romantic herb, Basil is used for culinary purposes. Different types of Basil vary in taste and are mainly used to add flavors to Oriental and Mediterranean dishes. This article will give more on the variety of Basil and how to buy and use them.
Where Does Basil Come From & Favorite Season
The most common types of Basil are Cinnamon basil, purple Basil, Sweet Basil, and Thai basil. According to the Almanac, Basil does well in the summer when the soil has been appropriately warmed. It thrives well in areas that experience 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. One must sow the seeds for 4-6 weeks before planting them at a spacing of 20-25 cm apart. It’s recommended that you grow them alongside tomatoes to save space. Thailand and Vietnam are the primary sources of imported Basil in the U.S. market. They do well in California, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Arizona in the U.S. Independent statistics on Basil is not comprehensive. Still, they are classified under agricultural reports for herbs.
What to Look for When Fresh Buying Basil?
To get the best Basil, you need to handpick them personally. If you send someone or order online, you must emphasize several things. One, ensure that it is fresh and its dominant color is highly pronounced. In addition, you must make sure you are choosing your preferred variety. Regardless of the type, the leaves should appear vibrant with no dark spots if it’s in pre-packaged forms.
Where to Buy Fresh Basil in the Store?
When you get into the grocery store, head to the produce section. Some stores are advanced such that they have the ‘herbs section’. High chances are that you will find it in plastic containers or bagged or bunched in respect to the grocery you visit. Some stores have potted gardens where they display the herb at their entrance to their customers. According to the Valuable Kitchen, the leading grocery stores selling Basil in the U.S are:
1. Amazon – customers order both fresh and dried Basil on its online platform.
2. Walmart – they sell the whole plant but also have the leaves in the produce section.
3. Kroger – is famous for selling organic Basil from the Simple Truth.
4. Lowe’s – has a garden area where you can directly buy the leaves from the plant.
5. Farmer’s market hosts a variety of Basil and leading stocks in summer.
6. Target – has stores across the U.S. where you can get Basil in the produce section.
7. Asian Markets – if you are interested in Thai basil, this is the place to find them at the lowest prices.
What To Do if You Do Not Get Fresh Basil?
Sometimes you may miss having fresh Basil in the market, especially when the planting areas are experiencing the winter season. Basil producers have devised a unique way of drying and packaging dried Basil. It’s kept under refrigerated conditions in leading sellers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target. You have to note that the dried basil recipe is slightly different from the fresh one.
How to Get Basil at the Lowest Prices?
If you prefer the leading supermarkets and online shopping, you are not going to get a chance to bargain. Therefore, you should conduct a comprehensive market analysis to know where and when to get it at the lowest prices. One of the best options is to buy them in big orders and store them. If you only intend to buy a single-use amount, you can join hands with a willing friend to boost your order size. Buying directly from the source saves you money and time. Bulk sales are available in the open markets. To avoid inconveniences with online shopping, we advise you to visit the grocery store and pick the freshest Basil yourself. Handpicking minimizes the chances of throwing away spoilt Basil.
The Health Benefits of Basil
As the world experiences a rise in lifestyle diseases, we need to focus our dieting on herbs with high nutritional value. According to The Nourish, Basil contains lutein, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and essential oils, which have the following health benefits:
- Has phytochemicals that are vital in protecting the body from cancer infections
- Regulation of blood sugar
- Prevention of heart diseases
- Improving our mental health by alleviating depression and anxiety
- Protection against respiratory, urinary, and skin infections
Final Words
Buying fresh basil in the store can be a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. However, it is essential to choose the right type of basil and check for signs of freshness before making your purchase. Whether you opt for pre-packaged basil or decide to buy it lose, be sure to store it properly and use it within a few days to ensure maximum flavor and quality. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh basil’s delicious taste and health benefits in your cooking all year round.
Fresh basil has a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to dried basil. It also adds color and texture to dishes.
